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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