Saturday, August 5, 2017

August 5 – “GFD Badge Pinning and Awards 2017”

I was once again asked to do the invocation and benediction at the Galveston Fire Department Badge Pinning and Awards Ceremony last night.  I have to say it was one of the best organized and carried out in the five years I have been chaplain.  So I suppose kudos right at the top have to go to Trish Anderson for all the work she puts into stuff like this. 

It was held at the San Luis Hotel in one of their ballrooms.  Very nice facility.  Two problems.  One was handled quickly.  It was a bit warm in the room.  But that could be explained by problem number two.  There were so many people in attendance.  The hotel had to scrounge up more and more chairs so folks could be seated before we could even begin.  Thanks to all the family and friends who came to encourage your own fire fighter. 

There was an addition to the program this year.  For the first time a guest speaker was asked to share about what life as a fire fighter is really like.  Chief Kiplinger from the Nacogdoches Fire Department did a great job.  Funny, entertaining, and all the while letting us in on some of the little and not so little considerations of being in the fire service.  I especially enjoyed his brief historical trek.  From Augustus Caesar appointing freemen fire fighters in 6 A.D. to early fire brigades to that earliest of fire departments in Texas … Galveston.  Nice job, Chief.

The retirees were presented with plaques and given a chance to speak.  One chose to pass, one spoke briefly.  And then there was Captain Paul Chide.  He had some things to say and people to thank, so he took full advantage of his opportunity.  He acknowledged those in rank above him as well as those who have served under his command, including Fire Chief Wisko, himself.  Well spoken, Cap.  You all will be missed.

The department recognized fourteen promotions.  Four new engineers, no less than seven new captains, two battalion chiefs and one assistant chief.  That means there has been a lot of moving around from station to station and shift to shift, so this year will certainly be one of adapting to change. 

On the personnel side, Chief Wisko recognized our new Emergency Management coordinator, Niki Bender.  That’s a significant position, especially during hurricane season.  There were also five new hires welcomed into the department and sworn in by City Secretary Janelle Williams.  One of my favorite parts of the ceremony has always been watching the rookies receives their badge and have someone close to them actually pin it on.  Dads, wives, girlfriends, and even children get to be a part of the experience.  The beaming faces and the flashing cameras reflect the sense of pride that comes with being a part of the fire service family.  Welcome to the family.

The commendations section of the program showed the wildly varying role of the fire department in today’s world.  For example, Captain Varela gave his oxygen to a victim during the UTMB fire last year, then Fire Fighter Anderson helped the victim out and returned with the oxygen.  Impressive stuff, guys.  And all the while Battalion Chief Harrison directed the scene, even when all of the chiefs arrived on scene.  Then there was the water rescue by the station five crew.  Got everyone safely out of the water within twelve minutes.  That’s amazing. On the other side of “service,” Engine two company responded to a medical call where a gentleman collapsed while mowing his grass.  They took care of the medical need, then returned to finish mowing the guy’s lawn.  Nice job in a whole other realm of nice job-ness.  And in the realm of behind-the-scenes-ness, new Battalion Chief Morgan was recognized for his service as temporary emergency management coordinator. I was surprised with a commendation bar this year for “service to the department.”  I appreciate the honor, but I think I understand a little better now when a fire fighter responds to accolades with, “Just doing the job.”  All I’m trying to do is figure out what the job is, and do it the best I can.  Chief Wisko did make a crack about me being the only one in the department allowed to have a beard, though.  Hey, I gotta let these guys live out their beard dreams through me.

One final word.  The honor guard presented and retrieved colors in their usual sharp, professional way.  I never cease to be amazed at their commitment to quality.  It reflects well on those individual fire fighters as well as on the department as a whole.  Couldn’t be prouder of you honor guard men.  In fact, I couldn’t be more proud and honored to be considered a part of Galveston Fire Department.  Thank you for the chance to serve you.

1 Peter 2:7 says, “Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone.’”


Father, once again I find myself lifting up the fire fighters.  Keep them in your hands.  Amen.

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