Thursday, August 6, 2015

August 6 – “A ‘Grand’ Pinning Ceremony”

The Galveston Fire Department held its annual pinning and awards ceremony the other night.  Pretty big affair this time.  It was held at the Grand Opera House, and 50 or so guys received some sort of recognition.  After the Honor Guard presented the colors and Chaplain Vaughan prayed the invocation (OK, that’s me, but I wanted it to sound kind of official.  I closed out with the benediction as well), Chief Wisko, ever the historian, pointed out that the department is celebrating its 130th anniversary as a paid department.  That puts the start date back in 1885.  We’ve come a long way from fist fights in the street to see who gets to put out the raging fire, to a friendly – and completely safety-first, of course - competition to see which engine arrives on scene first. 

Assistant Chief Olsen pointed out some of the “celebrities” in the audience, including some of the paramedics from the city’s Emergency Medical Service.  Many of the folks he mentioned were there to receive acknowledgments later in the program. 

The new hires and new promotions had their badges pinned on by someone close to them.  That’s always a really special time.  Captain Guidry had his step-father.  John Gonzalez had his father-in-law.  Jonathan Burns and Adam Migliore each had their father doing the honors.  Captain Hill’s mother pinned him while his Dad and wife and new twin sons stood nearby.  Sean Senagal asked Captain Weber.  John Moser was pinned by Chief Wisko.  Captain Lopez even had his little daughter do the pinning.  Fire Marshall Gilbert Robinson is now officially Assistant Chief Robinson, but he couldn’t be present at the ceremony.  The city secretary was stuck in a meeting at City Hall and couldn’t make the ceremony, so the new guys were sworn in by Chief Wisko.  I finally got to meet one of the newest recruits, John Moser.  He is still in his “rookie rotation” mode, moving from station to station as he is assigned, so our paths haven’t crossed yet.  I have touched base with the other guys: Jonathan Burns, John Gonzalez, Sean Senegal, and Adam Migliore.  Welcome to the Family, all you new guys.  And a special congratulations to the ones who were promoted.  Quite an accomplishment.

Bars were awarded for department committee work and for community service.  These involved letters of appreciation the department has received from the community thanking particular crews for specific acts of service.  A crew from engine four assisted in locating the driver of a truck that crashed on Dead Man’s Curve and providing him with emergency medical assistance until EMS could transport him.  A crew from station one joined guys from several other departments in rescuing a worker who had been buried up to his shoulders in a construction accident.  Way to go guys.  I’m proud of you.

The two most recent retirees, Steve Feldman and Ramiro Sanchez were honored for their 34 and 32 years of service to the department.  That’s a long time to stick with a job.  You’d think they saw it as a life calling, wouldn’t you?  Thank you, Gentlemen. 

The new Honor Guard members were recognized.  Chief Wisko explained the new system whereby each shift has an honor guard team.  That way when a request comes in for presenting colors or other honor guard appropriate action, the shift going off duty has the responsibility for providing the guard.  Much more efficient, and the guys seem really excited to be a part of it.  I understand now they are trying to figure out ways to get some money in so they can get everybody uniforms.  Exciting to see the excitement.

The Union President Jimmy Wisner recognized his board - R.K. Wistinghausen, Andy Jefferies, Michael Varela, and Travis Hill - and the work they do to represent the guys in negotiations, as well as to provide occasions for them to get together with their families and just have some fun.  Good work, guys.

Ladies Auxiliary President, Candice Varela, shared about their newly re-booted organization and the activities they are putting together.  Their Easter egg hunt at the Union Hall was a big success, and I, for one, am looking forward to reaping the benefits of that upcoming cookbook.  Kudos to the new group of leaders: Candice, Brandy DeVries, Katie Jefferies, Monica Perez, and Stacy Wisner. 

Chief Wisko also recognized several groups that have served as partners with GFD over the last year.  Galveston Police Department was represented by Chief Poretto and several officers.  Jamaica Beach Chief Baden and his command staff chiefs Rupertus and Dawson were there.  That one made me kind of extra proud.  Gotta appreciate the “Seaside home folk.”  Santa Fe Chief Anderson and his staff, and a contingent from Texas City also made an appearance.  Galveston Beach Patrol sent a representative of the life guards and personnel from that part of the island’s emergency services, Kara Harrison.  Charlie Kelly and Rosana Pratt of the Galveston Office of Emergency Management were also present.  There was even a representative from Centerpoint Energy there, Keith Gray.  The department has to have a good relationship with them for those times when power has to be shut off to structures either in danger or already involved with fire. 

I know this has just been a re-hashing of the evening for the ones who were there, but it’s always good to see your name in print, right?  Besides, now every one of these guys I mentioned owes their shift a round of ice cream as soon as Blue Bell gets back up and running.  Oh, and by the way, about two hours after the ceremony the C-shift guys responded to a two-alarm fire.  Of course the situation was handled admirably … as usual.  Once again those guys make me proud to be a part of the fine family that is Galveston Fire and Rescue. 

Colossians 1:3 says, “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.”


Father, I can’t pray enough for these men and women.  They have already become pretty special to me.  Please keep them all safe.  Amen.

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