fire department retirement speech fire department retirement speech

Its rare to find an employee so dedicated and engaged, and frankly, I dont know what we will do without them. and suppliers. 4. In his Executive Fire Officer Program research paper "Problems and Success Factors Inherent in Fire Service Retirement," Gerald Bates wrote that he found a significant relationship between the participants' rank at the time of retirement and their perception of their personal and social relationships. Im sure youre as excited as I am to see me take that final walk down the corridor, knowing its the last time youll have to hear one of my speeches. Home I detailed a decent rant for you all, It was an emotional and poignant send-off for retiring Lake Zurich Fire Chief Terry Mastandrea on July 15. Harold Schapelhouman almost didn't become a Menlo Park firefighter.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 Altos Fire Department woke him in the middle of the night and asked him to join them in taking the test for the district.Schapelhouman, then 20, needed some convincing. Larry At last weeks Board of Commissioners Legislative meeting on August 8, 2017, Covington Fire Department Captain Dan Frederick, Battalion Chief Seth Poston, Over the years, Schapelhouman said he found ways to see a little irony where he could, like the wordplay when the Menlo Park French restaurant Le Pot au Feu experienced its own fire. He was cognizant that he only had a few years left until he could be fully vested in the district's pension system and didn't want to get fired or become a "casualty" of the district's board.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. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Today is a day that we can be very sad at saying goodbye, but instead think of smiling for having Chief Mastandrea for 21 years, and werent we fortunate to have him, said Branding. He recalled responding to a call at an SRI building that wasn't marked from the outside, but inside had signage indicating the presence of radioactive materials. It was an emotional and poignant send-off for retiring Lake Zurich Fire Chief Terry Mastandrea on July 15. 5 Retirement Speech Ideas with Examples 1. "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. Senate Resolution No. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Larry Shapiro photo. Marc Kalbaugh served with the Hauser Lake Fire Department from 2008 to 2019. 2. Firefighter Retirement Awards - Tip and Suggestions. Heres a view from one of the newest retired firefighter wives on day one of retirement. Enter https://www.firerescue1.com/ and click OK. At one point he received a vote of no confidence, which he said was "breathtakingly disappointing.". The district board also had its own concrete step to commemorate Schapelhouman's legacy in the community. 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. It was around that time that he stepped back from medic training to focus on search and rescue work and work toward more management-focused roles.Over the years, Schapelhouman kept working in his chosen field, developing a specialty in urban search and rescue operations. After she returned, single, they began dating and later married. The sense of satisfaction and accomplishment was always worth it in the end! As the bagpipe music continued, the fire department doors opened and an honor guard filed out. Community Calendar ctrc ted b. carwile. "Fire seasons aren't getting smaller. He was cognizant that he only had a few years left until he could be fully vested in the district's pension system and didn't want to get fired or become a "casualty" of the district's board. Many retirement speeches happen in spaces where we need to be brief, such as a Zoom meeting or other virtual space. "It does take on a rhythm," he said. Although he had earned his full retirement a decade ago, he has continued to serve for ten more years because of his love for the Calling and his devotion to our community. Get the latest local news and information sent straight to your inbox. 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. Webof New York (ACNY), the Retirement and Social Security Law (RSSL), and the rules of the Fire Department Pension Fund, the applicable laws will govern. In his research, Bates found that 95.7 percent of his survey's participants felt that their retirement was successful. Today, we are marking the retirement of (insert name), Many of my fellow retirees have remarked how busy they became after they retired. "The most satisfied retirees tended to be those who planned for their retirement several years in advance." He has helped make the Fire District one of the most innovative in the Nation and he was one of the key players in the creation of the National Urban Search and Rescue Teams. There were fires in which children perished. Heartfelt/Serious Retirement Speech Example: Today I stand here proud, humbled, and emotional all at once. "Heck yeah, that was awesome!" 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. The district had agreed to let in 100 people, first come, first served, and while in line, the friends were alarmed to see their positions grow farther and farther back as people arrived and cut in with friends who'd been saving them spots. While we're on the job many firefighters and officer might gripe about some of the calls that we respond to, especially those that we felt didn't need the fire department. "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. In a brief speech given at the annual appreciation banquet in March, he shared We are all blessed to have had the privilege of working alongside such an incredible person. 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. It really has been my honor to serve with all of you and to serve this community. In 1962, General Douglas MacArthur uttered these famous words during a speech that embodied the spirit of sacrificing oneself for a higher cause: Duty, honor, country. He was left unable to walk and with only partial use of one hand. Special Pubs The last tone out symbolizes the last call taken, which is alsopart of theorder by the mayor that proclaims official retirement. "If you can't do that with compassion and forgiveness in your heart and the ability to move past people who aren't nice to you, then this isn't the job for you. "Over his years as a firefighter and first responder within the fire district, there were plenty of harrowing and traumatic calls, he remembers. That transition, he said, "has been a huge evolution in patient care. You know you're going into a fire driven building, but you're not just firefighters. A call intended to blow up firefighters with propane bombs, in which the bombs miraculously did not explode. and the department of defense. finds relevant news, identifies important training information, It should help the audience understand what this change means for you while keeping them curious about where your next chapter will take you. As is tradition, one by one the vehicles drove through the departments parking lot as Chief Partridge waved to his fellow chiefs and well wishers. Time to read: about 9 minutes. And the unsung heroes behind every firefighter are her/his family who patiently waited for them to return from extra shifts and long deployments and who supported them every step of the way. A firefighter responds to alarms on duty and this ceremony is a reminder of their sacrifice. Another 40 years from now, he said, he's hoping the district will continue to adapt by gaining knowledge, technology and convenience through automation. If you choose to make a funny retirement speech, be sure it is not offensive and still conveys your genuine appreciation for your colleagues. Every department is different, but the common denominator is the people who go out there and do the job. The farewell celebration took place at Easton Fire Station 3. LeadershipThings were going well with his search and rescue work and legislative advocacy when he was tapped to become the next fire chief. These relationships made coming to work each day a pleasure rather than a chore. Plus, Schapelhouman admits to having a workaholic streak. Fittingly, Schapelhouman's last day was dedicated to a ceremony to promote staff members of the fire district. At one point he received a vote of no confidence, which he said was "breathtakingly disappointing. The others passed on, far too many, not long after retiring, we buried them, folded a flag for the family and placed a gold star on their picture in the Union Hall. But life goes on and while Im grateful for the wonderful memories with all of you, I also look forward to new challenges ahead. It was always much easier to shop, make doctor appointments, schedule vacations and the like when weekday hours were fully in play. Speakers from the fire service included State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey, Bristol County Fire Chiefs Association President and Taunton Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw, Easton Fire Deputy Chief Jon Carroll and Easton Firefighters Local 2790 President Jason Healey and Vice President Chris Mills. But also, it will be exciting to transition into a less demanding lifestyle. Though my time has come to an end, lets not forget why we are here tonight: remembering and celebrating all of you for all that you do in service to this community. 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. 781-428-3299. "We almost died that night," he recalled. With the extremely risky work Schapelhouman took on, they worried about how a family would fit into the picture. And Im saying goodbye to the most supportive and incredible colleagues. Expand on your ideas with the right tone. Embarcadero Media file photo by Michelle Le. As such, it often requires giving a retirement speech to acknowledge the occasion and those with whom youve worked for many years. ET 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! 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. Today, we celebrate and recognize someone exceptional who has made an invaluable difference in our organization. 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. Funny Retirement Speech 4. "I almost quit about six months in.". I received support from all of you.. But I also look forward to embracing new challenges and experiences on my new journey ahead. Consider these retirement target hazards and pre-plan accordingly. As close as you all are, this firefighter retirement speech by colleague will a wonderful testament to a great character who will be much missed. 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. Getting into the fire service was easy compared to what it was like to leave it. A short retirement speech will allow you to be concise and still convey your message. WebThe Lincolnshire-Riverwoods FPD held a ceremony on Saturday (7/18/15) at their board meeting to promote two new lieutenants and two new battalion chiefs. Choosing what to wear was a lot easier when it meant grabbing a clean uniform. WebAwards For Retired Firemen. The MarketWatch News Department was not involved in the creation of this content. 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. As you all know, [name] is retiring at the end of the month and moving on to the next, less stressful chapter of life. Retirement speech for an employee Not every day is as special and a truly emotional occasion like this one. He recalled responding to a call at an SRI building that wasn't marked from the outside, but inside had signage indicating the presence of radioactive materials. 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. Partridge retired in October 2020 after a 36-year career in fire service. 1 prepared to leave. It may take a few drafts to get it right, but the effort will be worth it. Nothing says you've moved into the second half of life's football game like retirement. Uploaded: Sun, Jul 11, 2021, 8:29 am The MarketWatch News Department was not involved in the creation of this content. Just think, If Prometheus is worthy of the wrath of heaven for kindling the first fire upon earth, how ought all the gods to honor the men/women who make it their professional business to put it out! (~John G. Saxe, quoted in George C. Hale, History of the Worlds Greatest Fires, 1905). 6) Pre-Arrange Speeches and Toasts. Spotlight "Meanwhile, those risks Schapelhouman was taking also had an impact on his home life, he said.At one point, he said, he and his wife had a serious conversation. 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 Retiring Member Radio Announcement: All Companies stand by for a city-wide broadcast (All Call {1 Alarm} tone followed by Firehouse 6 tones.) A portable fire department bell is then tolled by another member. If they have not, then they retire at whatever age past 57 when they reach that 20-year market. Sleepily, he went with his friends to stand in line at the station near St. Patrick's Seminary to take the test. 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. Beyond his writing for FireRescue1.com and FireChief.com, Avsec authors the blog Talking "Shop" 4 Fire & EMSand has published his first book, "Successful Transformational Change in a Fire and EMS Department: How a Focused Team Created a Revenue Recovery Program in Six MonthsFrom Scratch.Connect with Avsec on LinkedIn orvia email. After she returned, single, they began dating and later married.Over the years, Schapelhouman said he found ways to see a little irony where he could, like the wordplay when the Menlo Park French restaurant Le Pot au Feu experienced its own fire. - Andrew Bernstein. The Almanac sat down with him on his last day to hear his reflections on a career spent dedicated to protecting and rescuing community members in their times of gravest need. Through it all, he worked at mastering the art of staying professional through the trauma by seeking to do justice to the grand calling of firefighting, many people's last line of defense in the face of grave danger. I was able to do that. It takes a special kind of courage to go into a burning building and save lives. 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. As we progress through the ranks, our circle of friends and colleagues shrinks. We can save people I would have said in the past we would have lost. he recalled asking. View all posts by Hauser Lake FPD. Or enter your email address here to subscribe for ALL updates from JGPR and our clients. These fire fighters retirement speeches convey light-hearted and warm retirement wishes and end with appropriate toasts. 2 I leave the fire service going to a different chapter. Schapelhouman was born in Canada, and his family moved to Barron Park in Palo Alto when he was about 3 years old. WebWe also wish to express to Chief Alderson on behalf of the entire Fire Department our heartfelt and sincere thanks for a job well done and to wish him a long, healthy and Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). Every day has been rewarding in its own way, but today is an especially bittersweet occasion as I bid farewell to all my colleagues and look ahead to the future. "It was a real privilege to come back and prove I can do the job, and be able to do it and do it well," he said. served with the Chesterfield (Virginia) Fire & EMS Department for 26 years. Published: April 15, 2023 at 8:37 a.m. Become a member today. 1. NEW YORK Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro today announced his retirement from It will feel a lot like the first job I had in high school, fixing up old appliances and cleaning bathrooms, but with even less pay! I may be saying goodbye to my boss here, but it seems Im now a full-time employee of my spouse, and Ive heard he/she runs a tight ship. Copyright 2023 PR for Police, Fire, Schools and Municipal Government. I will miss all of you tremendously and hope to stay in touch to see how everyone is doing. 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. 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. TownSquare But the physical test was another story. Sorry, but further commenting on this topic has been closed. 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. Perhaps Marcs words will help others who are considering volunteeringnot just as a firefighter but in any capacity take the plunge and serve. If a notable team member is retiring, its an excellent opportunity to express gratitude for their contributions and commitment while highlighting hard work and excellence for other employees. All rights reserved. News 2023-2029 "Speech Analytics Market" Insight, With 101+ Pages By IRB. Its about saying goodbye while thanking everyone who helped you along the way. 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. HONORING Chief James Schrammel upon the occasion. Enjoy your retirement, Chief Schapelhouman! I'm not saying you get there overnight, but in the end, it's the reason the fire service is the most trusted profession.". Marc Kalbaugh retired from the Hauser Lake Volunteer Fire Department in 2019. He and his colleagues found and rescued an abandoned newborn from a dryer near Whiskey Gulch and named him Walter Millschap, a portmanteau of their names. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. As you bid farewell to your work life and embark on a new chapter in life, a well-written speech will serve as an inspiring reminder of all that has been accomplished. ", 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. Many others worked for two or three paid-on-call services or comboed a fire department job with an EMS gig before getting that one job that paid enough to make it their sole fire service endeavor. To my brothers and sisters who put the wet stuff on the red stuff, I would like to leave you with this from the History of the Worlds Greatest Fires: In Greek Mythology, Prometheus was a titan trickster who was said to have defied the gods by giving man fire. Mobile site. It was even through the fire district that he met the woman who would later become his wife. The hero is the man who lets no obstacle prevent him from pursuing the values he has chosen.. Reality check. Here are a few quotes about fire along with bravery quotes to inspire you. 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. To the members, we have had some good times but change is hard and for me I must step away. 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. What an amazing person! Most of all, Ill miss their bright and cheerful demeanor, always lifting the spirits of everyone around them with a smile and kind words. Retirement from a life-long career can be a stressful event, regardless of the field. With that said, I will miss all of you and wish you and (name of company) continued success. The fire truck museum at the district's newly rebuilt Oak Grove Avenue site will bear his name. Copyright 2023 "What made me what I am is the people here and the calls here," he said.The district board also had its own concrete step to commemorate Schapelhouman's legacy in the community. Mountain View Voice Frederick thanked the Covington Fire Department of both previous generations and the current for their leadership, dedication and commitment. He is outspoken on any issue where there is a threat to our community even when doing so was not politically correct. The district was known for firing people regularly and often, he said. We spent countless hours brainstorming ideas and building projects together, often coming up with solutions for problems we thought would never be solved. If you go into another field of work after retirement that requires real clothes not one of the 100 polo shirts you accumulated over your fire service career you can spend more than a few minutes each day finding matching clothes. Uploaded: Sun, Jul 11, 2021, 8:29 am $ 39.94. He offered gratitude to those he worked with along the way, words of wisdom and stories of lessons learned. 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. In a brief speech given at the annual appreciation banquet in March, he shared what being a volunteer has meant to him. 8 Prospect St. Most firefighters I've ever had the pleasure to know have worked hard to get their first job. So begin your celebration by expressing your heartfelt appreciation to your team and excitement for the next phase of life. Over time, Schapelhouman began to work more in the realm of fire prevention and advocacy. WebEstablished in 1983, the Volunteer Firefighters Retirement Act applies to volunteer non-salaried firefighters who: Are listed as an active member on the rolls of a fire department, and; Whose first year of service credit was earned during or At least age 55 with 10 My goal and the mission is that our job is to leave things in a better place than we started, and we are in a much better place, giving great service to our residents, Mastandrea said. I worked extremely hard.". These fire fighters retirement speeches convey light-hearted and warm retirement wishes and end with appropriate He served with the Swansea Fire Department, Berkley Fire & Rescue and Avon Fire Department before becoming chief in Easton in 2012. About nine months after the injury, he resumed the role of chief, this time from a wheelchair.Coming back wasn't easy, he said. They succeeded in safely evacuating every child from a 1997 fire at Green Oaks Academy in East Palo Alto despite extremely hazardous conditions, including a faulty fire alarm and no sprinkler system. ""It's a job where you can find the better part of yourself, if you're looking," he said. The Fire Service is not just a job or just a profession but rather it is a Calling. Menlo Park Fire Protection District Chief Harold Schapelhouman in his office on this third day back at work, Jan. 9, 2014. Looking aheadAfter 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. 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 Altos Fire Department woke him in the middle of the night and asked him to join them in taking the test for the district. Privacy Policy 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. With the extremely risky work Schapelhouman took on, they worried about how a family would fit into the picture. The traumas of his job early on almost deterred him from the field, he said. With every challenge you face, there will always be someone new at your side willing to help you move mountains if you need it. Captain Frederick, a member of the Covington Fire Department since 1993 and a firefighter since 1982, delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on his career. Today, I have many mixed emotions. 3. Its difficult to put into words just how much this moment means to me. Farewell Type of Retirement Speech 2. For most of us, retiring in our mid-50s means finding a new career to help pay for those mortgages and college tuition bills that keep coming. S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K _____ 6639 2023-2024 Regular Sessions I N A S S E M B L Y April 25, 2023 _____ Introduced by M. of A. PHEFFER AMATO -- read once and referred to the Committee on Governmental Employees AN ACT to amend the retirement and social security law, the education law and the administrative code of the All rights reserved. BY: Senator STEC. He passed the other physical assessments and joined the district in June 1981, beginning his long career with the district that culminated with his retirement June 30 after 40 years of service, the last 15 of which he spent as the district's chief. "We got as close to 60 kids getting incinerated that day as you can get," he said. Government entity. FireRescue1 is revolutionizing the way the fire service community 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. As I enter the legacy phase of my life, I do so humbly and gratefully, taking the invaluable lessons I have learned here and sharing them with others. Photo by Daniela Beltran B. 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. Paul Schebel was promoted to Lieutenant. "We were given the "Opportunity," we so badly wanted. 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).