The chief of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District, who retired late last month after a 40-year career, was a student when his fellow firefighters in training at the Los "The job essentially is bigger than any of us the responsibility to protect the community and serve the community," he said. But I also look forward to embracing new challenges and experiences on my new journey ahead. When you return to your former second home, you'll likely feel that you only have visitation rights, especially when you start seeing all those new faces. Eastons been a wonderful place to work and Ive been honored to have led this great department, Partridge said during his speech at Wednesdays event. You know you're going into a fire driven building, but you're not just firefighters. The restaurant's name means "pot on fire. He has served our community both here and throughout the nation in responding to many disasters including Oklahoma City, World Trade Center, the Columbia Space Shuttle recovery and too many hurricanes to count. He brought in attorneys to push for his return to the chief position, and took steps to ensure he could still do the job well, like finding specialists to evaluate him and securing the right adaptive equipment. Today, we celebrate and recognize someone exceptional who has made an invaluable difference in our organization. Everything I tried to do was keeping that in mind to make the department the best it could be and make sure you were safe and able to do your job, Partridge said. NEW YORK Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro today announced his retirement from 2023 Palo Alto Online. Last Alarm Foundation | Honoring the Departed Firefighter Woman charged for fatal wrong-way crash on I-280 last weekend, Foothill-De Anza names four finalists to be next chancellor, Around Town: Palo Alto gets ready to celebrate 99th annual May Fete Parade, Take a look back at April with our month-end local news quiz, Special-education classrooms destroyed in possible arson at Cubberley Community Center, "They gave it the best college try they could give it, but he didn't make it," he said. Stay up-to-date with breaking JGPR client news. (Lets ask her again at day 100!) At least age 55 with 10 WebBell service (Last Alarm or Last Call) After the religious ceremony or at interment, a fire department member reads a prepared statement about the firefighters last call. Following the parade, a ceremony took place with several speakers to honor Partridge. Speech Its difficult to put into words just how much this moment means to me. Not unlike a colorful family, weve had our share of laughs and disagreements, but ultimately we have always come together to get the job done. Battalion Chief Robert Avsec (ret.) ET. and the department of defense. He fell off a ladder while trimming bushes and suffered paralyzing spinal cord injuries and a traumatic brain injury. The fall In May 2013, about seven years into his tenure as chief and after escaping unscathed from so many high-risk rescue situations, Schapelhouman was struck with a life-changing injury in his own backyard.He fell off a ladder while trimming bushes and suffered paralyzing spinal cord injuries and a traumatic brain injury. After she returned, single, they began dating and later married. He also thanked Eastons firefighters for their continued hard work and commitment to the community: The bottom line is that were all here to help the residents of Easton. Leadership PRIDE AND OWNERSHIP: THE LOVE FOR THE JOB: CEREMONIES THAT STOKE THE FLAMES OF TRADITION 1.1.2005 BY RICK LASKY Covington Fire Department Captain Dan Frederick Issues ""It's a job where you can find the better part of yourself, if you're looking," he said. The City of Covington thanks Captain Frederick, Battalion Chief Seth Poston, Assistant Chief Chris Black, and Engineer Nick Nazzarine for their years of service. Being light-hearted at the end of ones career is a graceful but uplifting way to bid farewell. But the physical test was another story. Schapelhouman said he dropped the bag twice on his way up and was sure he would fail, until, finding an inner well of strength, he threw the bag up the last few stairs and jumped on top of it, with two seconds to spare. Your health and wellness moves up on your list of life's priorities. When I first started my career, I never imagined all the wonderful memories and relationships that would come with it. When I first began here, I started at the bottom, yet I was deeply hopeful that I could use my passion and hard work to make a difference. Partridge was honored with a citation each from the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Massachusetts State Senate in recognition of his dedication and years of service, as well as a plaque from the Easton Select Board and framed recognition letter from State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. After he returned, he said he helped to come up with a five-year agreement with the district's union that provided stability to the organization among other initiatives he's led since returning to the department after his injury. Spotlight Then once we were in, we immersed ourselves in the fire service culture. FireRescue1 is revolutionizing the way the fire service community But the physical test was another story. As you all know, [name] is retiring at the end of the month and moving on to the next, less stressful chapter of life. He finally took on the role March 31, 2006, after he was told that if he didn't, the next chief would come from outside of the district. Marc Kalbaugh retired from the Hauser Lake Volunteer Fire Department in 2019. Awards For Retired Firemen I bid farewell to this great organization thats played such a meaningful role in my life. View all posts by Hauser Lake FPD. Woman charged for fatal wrong-way crash on I-280 last weekend, Foothill-De Anza names four finalists to be next chancellor, Around Town: Palo Alto gets ready to celebrate 99th annual May Fete Parade, Take a look back at April with our month-end local news quiz, Special-education classrooms destroyed in possible arson at Cubberley Community Center. We're trained to be America's problem solvers, those people call when they don't know who to call. The district board also had its own concrete step to commemorate Schapelhouman's legacy in the community. Firefighter Retirement Speech | Speechwriters.com Retirement Speech for An Employee Example: Good afternoon, everyone. The fire truck museum at the district's newly rebuilt Oak Grove Avenue site will bear his name. All rights reserved. His family lived in Mountain View and Los Altos, and as an adult, he lived in Sunnyvale and Fremont before settling in San Jose's Willow Glen neighborhood, he said. "Somebody has to go out and do the patient care.". After XX years of dedicated service, Im finally ready to take on my next journey. Paul Schebel was promoted to Lieutenant. The restaurant's name means "pot on fire.". Sports Editors note: Check back with Patch for more video from the Walk-Out Ceremony.. The following is a transcript of Marcs speech. "We almost died that night," he recalled. Those little nagging aches and pains take on a new significance, especially when you don't have that peer pressure to keep working through them. Wheelock waspresented witha boys size 11 patent leather shoe, and the celebration then moved on to a local restaurant to continue to honor the chiefs long and committed career. Don't miss out on the discussion! I leave the fire service going to a different chapter. NY Senate Resolution | NY State Senate Georgetown, MA 01833 He said he ran right into labor disputes and contract disagreements. WebThe current mandatory retirement age for a firefighter (in some areas) is 57, as long as they have served at least 20 years of covered service. Fittingly, Schapelhouman's last day was dedicated to a ceremony to promote staff members of the fire district. Thank you all for your encouragement and friendship I will never forget it. 1 prepared to leave. RETIREMENT I will look back at my time in the fire service and smile knowing that my service was meaningful. Photo by Daniela Beltran B. Speech Synthesis Software Market 2023 Dynamics, Major Players, SWOT Analysis, and Business Forecast to 2030 MRI Published: April 12, 2023 at 12:42 a.m. Fire protection district in Hauser, Idaho. NY State Assembly Bill A6639 I dont know who to thank and who to start with. I have had some fire chiefs tell me that they have had to politely tell the retired fire chief to leave, with a simple, I got this. If youre the retired fire chief, be respectful. Over his years as a firefighter and first responder within the fire district, there were plenty of harrowing and traumatic calls, he remembers. These fire fighters retirement speeches convey light-hearted and warm retirement wishes and end with appropriate "The most satisfied retirees tended to be those who planned for their retirement several years in advance.". It can also be a difficult adjustment for your spouse and family as well; as my wife still tells me from time to time, "You're not the chief anymore." Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Chelmsford Police Department Welcomes Two New Officers, Andover Fire Rescue Welcomes Two New Members from Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, Concord Police and Fire Departments Respond to Crash into Assabet River, Acton Police Department Places Officer on Administrative Leave Following Arrest, Town of Ipswich Receives Metropolitan Area Planning Council Technical Assistance Grant. With careful consideration, youll be able to deliver a heartfelt address that celebrates all the successes and memories of your time at the organization. The biggest blessing must be my meaningful collaborations with some of my favorite coworkers over the years. You have to understand that 25 years ago Covington was a different city, and it will evolve over the next 25 years to become whatever it's meant to be and the proud serving members of the Fire, Police, and Public Works will continue to see those changes through. He played a pivotal role in creating Menlo Park's urban search and rescue team, and was called upon to respond to some of the worst national and international disasters of the past decades.He and his team responded to the Oklahoma City bombings in 1995, 9/11 in New York in 2001 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, among other disasters.Schapelhouman's daughter, now 21, was born just months after he returned from a trip abroad to provide search and rescue aid during the Chi Chi earthquake in Taiwan in 1999.Over time, Schapelhouman began to work more in the realm of fire prevention and advocacy. SPEECH "I took that real hard. Many of my fellow retirees have remarked how busy they became after they retired. "Somebody has to do the dirty work," he said. Most of all, Ill miss their bright and cheerful demeanor, always lifting the spirits of everyone around them with a smile and kind words. 2. Opportunity is first, to start that first day of drill school, be given a chance to show what you have learned, and prove, what you can do with that knowledge, an opportunity to make the difference in someone's life, most likely on the worst day of theirs, to be the Company's Front Firefighter on the nozzle of a good hot building on fire, putting it out and being able to say, " We did that." She had come to see one of the district's exhibitions with one of the district's administrators. 719 Washington St. He and his team responded to the Oklahoma City bombings in 1995, 9/11 in New York in 2001 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, among other disasters. He still remembers graphic details from the first death he witnessed on the job, of a man involved in a motorcycle accident on Constitution Drive. 617-993-0003, Southern New England - Andrew Bernstein. From the commissioners to our members husbands and wives, the dedication each and every one of you has to this Department, community, and the people you all help every day is truly commendable. Coming back wasn't easy, he said. Advertising Info Marc Kalbaugh retired from the Hauser Lake Volunteer Fire Department in 2019. We are looking for ECE qualified teachers and teachers assistants. Reality check. Schapelhouman said that he said no to the offer twice because he loved the work he was doing so much, traveling and pushing for policies and innovations that would help firefighters work more safely and effectively. The speakers included many local and state officials, including Town Administrator Connor Read, State Rep. and Majority Leader Claire Cronin, State Sen. Walter Timilty, State Sen. Michael Brady, State Rep. Carol Doherty, Easton Select Board Chair Dottie Fulginiti and Easton Police and Fire Service Medical Director Dr. Hank Crowley. The bagpipe player walked away, continuing to play his music, as the fire engines headed out to answer the call. The most important was the City of Covington sleeps.from 5:24 a.m. to 5:27 a.m., Tuesday's, in Spring, every other year, when its 68 Degrees and relative low humidity. 1. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for fire service professionals worldwide. You can't take it personally or you're going to be a basket case. He has held almost every rank in the Fire District and held each with distinction. Suicides witnessed and responded to. Follow Palo Alto Online and the Palo Alto Weekly on Twitter @paloaltoweekly, Facebook and on Instagram @paloaltoonline for breaking news, local events, photos, videos and more. A hero has faced it all: he need not be undefeated, but he must be undaunted.. Hauser Lake Volunteer Fire Department | Hauser, Idaho | Established 1952. Firefighters Retire Embarcadero Media file photo by Michelle Le. He also thanked the families of the firefighters, the community and the City of Covington for their support and the opportunity to serve. Plus, Schapelhouman admits to having a workaholic streak. He played a pivotal role in creating Menlo Park's urban search and rescue team, and was called upon to respond to some of the worst national and international disasters of the past decades. They are the life force of who we are as an organization, and without the strong support Ive received from my colleagues, it would have been impossible for me to stand here today. "Over his years as a firefighter and first responder within the fire district, there were plenty of harrowing and traumatic calls, he remembers. Experiences like that were especially scary because the responders didn't know what hazardous chemicals they might have been exposed to.And then there were the regular house fires with their own complexities, like when two overlapping roofs at a house on Altschul Avenue created a hidden fire, causing the roof to collapse immediately after a new fire chief had commanded him to step away. People indicated when I put in my retirement letter that there would be some big shoes to fill; I want to assure Dave that those shoes arent as big as people think they are, Mastandrea said. About nine months after the injury, he resumed the role of chief, this time from a wheelchair. "I almost quit about six months in.". So allow me to leave you with a few pieces of advice: Believe in yourself but never be afraid of asking questions and learning more; cherish every relationship you come across; and remember that hard work pays off even when you dont see it right away! To ensure your address resonates with your audience, you should outline it properly before delivering it. The MarketWatch News Department was not involved in the creation of this content. What Retirement Looks Like for a Fire After a career of shouldering those kinds of duties, it can be difficult to wake up one day as a team of one. A portable fire department bell is then tolled by another member. At one point, a fight broke out, after which Menlo Park firefighters insisted that nobody could save spots in line.Schapelhouman made his way in the door for that written test and passed it easily. When that retirement date comes and goes, it might seem like a divorce. We spent countless hours brainstorming ideas and building projects together, often coming up with solutions for problems we thought would never be solved. Schapelhouman was introduced later that night at the Oasis (a beloved Menlo Park watering hole that shuttered in 2018), and the two stayed in touch while she attended college in Santa Barbara. "They gave it the best college try they could give it, but he didn't make it," he said. I was able to do that. She has won awards from the California News Publishers Association for her coverage of local government, elections and land use reporting. Projects around the home that Ive masterfully avoided with But Ive gotta work excuses are already on a list taped to the fridge. It can also make for an excellent written piece for a retirement card or email greeting. Promptly at 4 p.m., the sound of bagpipes filled the air around Fire Station No. Many members of the Whitman Fire Department came out yesterday to show their support, including incoming Fire Chief Timothy Clancy. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. This type of retirement speech allows for more time as you pour your heart out and express how the people around you have positively impacted your life over the years. Your contribution matters. "I took that real hard.". finds relevant news, identifies important training information, The hardest was a timed test that required carrying more than 120 pounds of equipment up a training tower, and many strong-looking candidates were failing. Speech "We almost died that night," he recalled.But there were victories too. Every department is different, but the common denominator is the people who go out there and do the job.. PR MediaRelease As a fellow firefighter and now as a citizen and member of this community, I would like to take this opportunity to say, thank you for what you do. He offered gratitude to those he worked with along the way, words of wisdom and stories of lessons learned. Eastons been a wonderful place to work and Ive been honored to have led this great department, Partridge said during his speech at Wednesdays event. The Best Retirement Speech - The Roanoke Fire Blog This strategy allows you to focus efficiently on most of your speech and brainstorm ideas for a strong opening. The following sample speech is perfect for any employee who has dedicated years of service to the company. Eric Levernier was promoted to Lieutenant. of his retirement after 32 years of distinguished. Years later we found ourselves saying the same things, teaching the same things and protecting the next generation in the same manner. In May 2013, about seven years into his tenure as chief and after escaping unscathed from so many high-risk rescue situations, Schapelhouman was struck with a life-changing injury in his own backyard. Menlo Park Fire Protection District Chief Harold Schapelhouman at his retirement party at Station 1 in Menlo Park on June 28, 2021. He eventually joined the fire class in Sunnyvale because it paid the best among local agencies, and it was there he fell in love with the art of fighting fire, he said.He spent time after high school working in commercial construction, and he credits that work for not just helping him to build fitness, but to develop an instinctual understanding of buildings, a skill that would set him apart later in a field dedicated to saving structures and their inhabitants during disasters.When he first found his way to the Menlo Park Fire Protection District, which serves the communities of Menlo Park, Atherton, East Palo Alto and unincorporated areas including North Fair Oaks, it had what he described as a paramilitary culture.It wasn't an easy job, and there were plenty of dangers and lots of internal pressures within the department. We were not Chiefs, or Officers or Engineers, we were just new Firefighters starting our path in life as the rest of our generation trickled in, adding a few every couple months. He was left unable to walk and with only partial use of one hand. In the aftermath of the Green Oaks Academy fire, he pushed legislators to mandate that automatic sprinkler systems and fire alarms be installed on school campuses. And, in the 1980s, there were many difficult calls due to the heroin epidemic and high crime rates, yielding a grim and repeating rhythm of "shooting, stabbing, assault, overdose," Schapelhouman said. The sense of satisfaction and accomplishment was always worth it in the end! Vitas also quietly spoke to Mastandrea as bystanders looked on. fire department promotion ceremony Remarks at Bloomington Fire Department Awards Ceremony Page last updated on February 18, 2020 at 10:15 am Thank you for the chance publicly to acknowledge my gratitude to all of you, whether you are receiving an award today or not -- all heroes, and we are all grateful to you. he recalled asking. At one point, he said, he and his wife had a serious conversation. Here are a few quotes about fire along with bravery quotes to inspire you. More than 100 friends, family members, firefighters, paramedics and elected officials filled the lawn and driveway in front of the firehouse. I received support from all of you.. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Email info@jgpr.net if you wish to be placed on a SPECIFIC email list for your beat, agency or community. It was an emotional and poignant send-off for retiring Lake Zurich Fire Chief Terry Mastandrea on July 15. It takes a special kind of courage to go into a burning building and save lives. Like most people, you may find crafting a retirement speech daunting. There had been turnover in the chief position and in the previous 21 years, nobody from within the department had been selected as chief, he said. Emotions were high during a speech by Interim fire Chief Kenny Cordonnier as he reminisced about his time with recently retired Fire Chief Mike Dalsing. Everybody here, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, said Mastandrea. I survived fire life!! HONORING Chief James Schrammel upon the occasion. Its been an amazing journey here at this company, and I am grateful for everyone who helped me grow while putting up with my occasional growing pains. Embarcadero Media file photo by Michelle Le. If youre looking for a reason to volunteer, for anything, no matter what it is, or for how long, think of the impacts youll have on yourself and the people you serve for and with. 5 Retirement Speech Ideas with Examples ", He became part of the district's first group of emergency medical technicians, and has seen the way first responders' skills have transformed from providing basic first aid to the more comprehensive responses that paramedics offer now. Plus, Schapelhouman admits to having a workaholic streak. But there still will be fires, and there will continue to be firefighters. It has been said that unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of our souls. (~David Thomas, as quoted in Tryon Edwards, A Dictionary of Thoughts, 1891). Enter https://www.firerescue1.com/ and click OK. As firefighters, we know the value of conducting This is a real chance for you to shine and to pay tribute to comradeship.Having shared so much over the years youll want a professionally written fire fighter retirement speech by colleague that covers all the bases and that is exactly what you will get. He channeled lessons about detail orientation he'd picked up from his father and his accountant brother as a youth, and kept working at it, he said. Obituaries Heartfelt/Serious "He channeled lessons about detail orientation he'd picked up from his father and his accountant brother as a youth, and kept working at it, he said. After 40 years in the field, Schapelhouman said he's proud of the financial direction the district as well, over the course of his career seeing a transition from firefighters being equipped with substandard gear to top-of-the-line technology, including an ambitious drone program, earthquake warning systems and thermal imaging equipment. Uploaded: Sun, Jul 11, 2021, 8:29 am I am confident that if Harold had the choice, he would have been working at the pile in Sunrise Florida rather than being at this retirement ceremony. She had come to see one of the district's exhibitions with one of the district's administrators. Photo by Daniela Beltran B. You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. As firefighters, we know the value of conducting pre-plans for target hazards in our district and there's great value in applying that strategy to your second career. If you need help getting started with your goodbyes, here are some examples of retirement speeches by the retiree (and an employee speech) to help you craft the perfect address: This type of speech is the most common and is often sentimental. Schapelhouman was introduced later that night at the Oasis (a beloved Menlo Park watering hole that shuttered in 2018), and the two stayed in touch while she attended college in Santa Barbara.
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