Saturday, September 14, 2019

September 14 – “Farewell to the Chief”


Yesterday afternoon we attended the farewell reception for retiring Fire Chief Wisko.  I would say the event was quite a success, as are pretty much all events planned and executed by Trish and Nora.  The new training room was filled with well-wishers when we arrived, munching on fruits and vegetables and of course cake.  There were current firefighters there, both on duty (with their radios at their side) and off-duty.  I saw EMS personnel and the beach patrol supervisor and the city manager.  Also attending were representatives from several other fire stations around the state.  They were all there to let Chief Wisko know his service has been appreciated and to shake his hand. 

I noticed a chief from Bryan and one of the firefighters who had been burned badly several years ago.  He was here in Galveston at the burn unit, and one of our Galveston guys arranged for rooms for his family to stay in throughout his stay.  It was kind of a touching moment when Brian and he shook hands once again. 

New Chief Olsen presented Chief Wisko with a gift from the department, but the most emotional moment came when the final radio call went out wishing him a fond farewell.  That was followed by responses from various units and departments across the county.  There was even a call from the Hitchcock department.  That one was cut short, with the voice saying, “We want to offer our best wishes, but we’re a little busy here.”  They were in the midst of assisting the Texas City department in fighting a huge church fire.

Thanks Chief Wisko for your years of service to the Galveston community.  May God go with you and Dana to your new assignment …

John 3:36 says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”

Father, please follow Mike and Dana as they move to their new home.  Keep them close to your heart … and draw them closer to each other.  Amen.

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