November 23 – “Chief Wisko”

On Thursday I was invited to be at the Galveston City Council meeting where interim Fire Chief Mike Wisko’s appointment as permanent chief by the city manager was slated to be confirmed by the council.  He follows retired Chief Jeff Smith after having served as assistant chief. 

The crowd was amazing.  There were over fifty people in attendance just for the confirmation, so they placed it at the very beginning of the session.  I was sure glad they did, too.  As it turned out, the meeting itself lasted for nine hours.  Quite a marathon.  Several engine crews came in uniform.  Mike’s family was all there including his Dad, Willie Wisko, an ex-fire chief here in Galveston.  Fire Chiefs and representatives from departments in Beaumont, Freeport, Bryan, and Santa Fe were all there.  The Bryan Chief spoke to the council, thanking them for the assistance given them by the Galveston Fire Department after several of their fire fighters were transferred to UTMB and stayed in the burn unit for months.  The Galveston department adopted the men and their families, taking care of whatever needs came up during that time, including lodging and transportation.  The affirmation vote by council was unanimous.  Quite a feat, if you have any knowledge of Galveston city politics. 

After the confirmation we went back to the fire office, where Chief Smith asked me to gather the folks together and let Mike’s Dad speak.  Everyone cooperated fully, and it was good to see that Dad getting the chance to brag on his boy.  I decided to become an emcee of sorts, and gave anyone the chance to add their words of encouragement as well.  Jeff then proclaimed that he was proud as well, but the most impressive thing he added was a reference to scripture – how special it was for a son to be honoring his father and mother.  Chief Wisko’s aunt had a story to tell about the antics of the older Chief Wisko, and several others spoke kind words.  It was quite an emotional experience for the new chief.  I did get a chance to pray for him after the good words and ask for God’s blessings on him.

After that we headed over to Rudy and Paco’s restaurant for lunch.  My first time being there.  I had some very good fried shrimp.  Two of the guys near me had the meatloaf sandwich.  Never saw one like it.  Thick slab of meat with mashed potatoes on top and a big pile of onion rings on top of that.  Had to have one of those really long toothpicks to hold it in place.  I may have to pay that place a return visit.  I sat near two retired chiefs, so I was quite entertained with some good stories during the meal.  Some brought goose chills and others resulted in boisterous laughter.  It was a good time of celebration, and I was honored to be a part of it.  Congratulations, Chief Wisko.

Psalms 119:25 says, “Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.”

Father, walk with Chief Wisko as he carries out his duties.  And protect all of those under his charge.  Amen.