As you all know, [name] is retiring at the end of the month and moving on to the next, less stressful chapter of life. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. "Fire seasons aren't getting smaller. Georgetown, MA 01833 Eric was the first of us. We're trained to be America's problem solvers, those people call when they don't know who to call. "It messed me up for a while," he said. Jason McKenna was promoted to Battalion Chief. Obituaries But if you follow the above guidelines and model after some of the example speeches, you can deliver a thoughtful talk filled with warmth, humor, and gratitude. "Fire seasons aren't getting smaller. The fire department will assign an administrator to communicate the guidelines and options. Shortly after, I was hired, then in the door came, Nick, Chris, and Seth. Everyone's responses to the above will be different, but the one key for everyone is to plan for your retirement early in your career. Frederick thanked the Covington Fire Department of both previous generations and the current for their leadership, dedication and commitment. The Green Oaks Family Academy Elementary School Fire Protection Act became law in 2002, but Schapelhouman expressed disappointment that the legislation didn't cover existing school campuses, just new ones.He pushed for other common-sense measures from local agencies like for the district's emergency response vehicles to be exempted from FasTrak fees and fines when crossing the Dumbarton Bridge during emergency responses.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. Plus, Schapelhouman admits to having a workaholic streak. - Andrew Bernstein. 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. Sign up to be notified of new comments on this topic. 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. 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. From you, Ive learned invaluable lessons about life and work; but most importantly, Ive learned that relationships are what matter in the end. Easy to download youll get a selection of speeches that are easy to mix and match. If there will be drinks and toasting (there will be), then make sure to plan it ahead of time. At last weeks Board of Commissioners Legislative meeting on August 8, 2017, Covington Fire Department Captain Dan Frederick, Battalion Chief Seth Poston, Here are a few things that you can expect to experience once you hang up your turnout gear for the last time. All rights reserved. Retirement to Take Effect February 16. Your first introduction to Covington was the ambulance. You learned a lot very quickly. In a brief speech given at the annual appreciation banquet in March, he shared A call intended to blow up firefighters with propane bombs, in which the bombs miraculously did not explode. It takes a special kind of courage to go into a burning building and save lives. I would like to thank the commissioners, past and present, for all their support throughout the years and for what they do to keep this Department moving forward and outfitted. "We got as close to 60 kids getting incinerated that day as you can get," he said.It was even through the fire district that he met the woman who would later become his wife. 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. 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 You deserve it! Meanwhile, those risks Schapelhouman was taking also had an impact on his home life, he said. He recalled ruminating on whether there was anything else he could have done to save the man. NEW YORK Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro today announced his retirement from Government entity. I will look back at my time in the fire service and smile knowing that my service was meaningful. They're getting bigger, and I worry about firefighter safety," he said.Another 40 years from now, he said, he's hoping the district will continue to adapt by gaining knowledge, technology and convenience through automation.But there still will be fires, and there will continue to be firefighters. 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. Volunteer firefighter Mark Bezosalso a senior 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. Projects around the home that Ive masterfully avoided with But Ive gotta work excuses are already on a list taped to the fridge. Last call. "The job essentially is bigger than any of us the responsibility to protect the community and serve the community," he said. Suddenly, that second family will be nowhere to be found. 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. TownSquare The Almanac As firefighters, we know the value of conducting The biggest blessing must be my meaningful collaborations with some of my favorite coworkers over the years. he was told.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.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.Schapelhouman was born in Canada, and his family moved to Barron Park in Palo Alto when he was about 3 years old. 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. 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. But this department has a great tradition, the fire prevention, and, again, it's not me coming from Washington to tell you that. With the extremely risky work Schapelhouman took on, they worried about how a family would fit into the picture. With every challenge you face, there will always be someone new at your side willing to help you move mountains if you need it. Its been an honor and a privilege to have been part of this organization for the last XX years. I want to thank Chief Grenno for everything he has done for the Whitman Fire Department and the Town of Whitman over the years, and wish him well in his retirement, Chief Clancy said. Little did I know that while accomplishing the tasks at hand, I was also gaining something much more valuable friendships with people who have become like family to me. 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. It had five grueling challenges, and to be considered for the district, each candidate had to complete all five. Hauser Lake Volunteer Fire Department | Hauser, Idaho | Established 1952. Get the latest local news and information sent straight to your inbox. You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. 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! Funny Retirement Speech 4. 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. 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. "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. Plus, Schapelhouman admits to having a workaholic streak. The music abruptly stopped, and all attention shifted to member of the honor guard, who slowly began to lower the American flag. This may be called Tools or use an icon like the cog. It had five grueling challenges, and to be considered for the district, each candidate had to complete all five. He was left unable to walk and with only partial use of one hand. Its a time to reflect on all the amazing moments experienced over the years and celebrate the future ahead. Enjoy your retirement, Chief Schapelhouman! 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. The district was known for firing people regularly and often, he said. Some notable accomplishments during their tenure here include: We will sorely miss their hard work, loyalty, and enthusiasm. 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. He credits the community and the staff of the district for shaping his life in a profound way. They are tried, tested and ready to use. Place a Legal Notice 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.As a youth, he thought he'd pursue law enforcement work, joining a police explorer program. The traumas of his job early on almost deterred him from the field, he said. He said he ran right into labor disputes and contract disagreements. 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. 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." 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. 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. "Heck yeah, that was awesome!" 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. "I took that real hard. A call intended to blow up firefighters with propane bombs, in which the bombs miraculously did not explode. Help sustain the local news you depend on. Many retirement speeches happen in spaces where we need to be brief, such as a Zoom meeting or other virtual space. 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. The Chief touched on it. Retirement Speech for An Employee Example: Good afternoon, everyone. Electronics Recycling Event for Earth Day, Volo Museum Titanic tribute opens April 14. I detailed a decent rant for you all, The farewell celebration took place at Easton Fire Station 3. After some personal words from the mayor, not audible to the crowd, Administrator Bob Vitas then approached Mastandrea to present him with his fire helmet. Heartfelt/Serious document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); There might be affiliate links on some of the pages of this site, which means we could earn a small commission of anything you buy. I worked extremely hard.". He offered gratitude to those he worked with along the way, words of wisdom and stories of lessons learned. Kate Bradshaw writes for The Almanac, a sister publication of PaloAltoOnline.com. 781-428-3299. At one point he received a vote of no confidence, which he said was "breathtakingly disappointing.". But the physical test was another story. WebAwards For Retired Firemen. Sleepily, he went with his friends to stand in line at the station near St. Patrick's Seminary to take the test. For many of us, that journey started in the volunteer ranks where we cut our teeth in the business. I survived fire life!! Farewell Type of Retirement Speech 2. 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. Main Office Its rare to find an employee so dedicated and engaged, and frankly, I dont know what we will do without them. Please do your own research before making any online purchase. "What made me what I am is the people here and the calls here," he said. We are all blessed to have had the privilege of working alongside such an incredible person. If they have not, then they retire at whatever age past 57 when they reach that 20-year market. Getting into the fire service was easy compared to what it was like to leave it. This strategy allows you to focus efficiently on most of your speech and brainstorm ideas for a strong opening. These fire fighters retirement speeches convey light-hearted and warm retirement wishes and end with appropriate toasts. It may take a few drafts to get it right, but the effort will be worth it. "We were given the "Opportunity," we so badly wanted. EASTON The Easton Fire Department is pleased to announce that many fire chiefs from the region, local firefighters and police officers, state and local officials, Eastons Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and members of the community gathered Wednesday to celebrate the retirement of Chief Kevin Partridge. Uploaded: Sun, Jul 11, 2021, 8:29 am He served with the Swansea Fire Department, Berkley Fire & Rescue and Avon Fire Department before becoming chief in Easton in 2012. My next chapter may involve a learning curve, but I am confident that the life skills Ive learned here will help me in whatever I pursue going forward. I bid farewell to this great organization thats played such a meaningful role in my life. Yes fellow fire wives you can survive "I almost quit about six months in. Partridge retired in October 2020 after a 36-year career in fire service. But the physical test was another story. Pitch Perfect Speeches for Every Audience with a 100% Money Back Guarantee, Air Force Enlisted Member Retirement Speech by Retiree. Aquascape's Annual Fish and Plants Spring Sale! 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. Suicides witnessed and responded to. 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. They're getting bigger, and I worry about firefighter safety," he said. Being a fire officer also means that you probably had some significant roles and responsibilities managing people, physical resources and budgets. But I also look forward to embracing new challenges and experiences on my new journey ahead. A&E The restaurant's name means "pot on fire. I miss those old guys, and unfortunately I never took the opportunity to tell them how much they meant to us. All rights reserved. These relationships made coming to work each day a pleasure rather than a chore. "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. Nothing says you've moved into the second half of life's football game like retirement. Wednesday, December 05, 2007 The Best Retirement Speech If you are just joining in today, be sure to read the posts below. Understand The Difference Between Resigning And Taking Early Retirement, Understanding the 5 Emotional Stages of Retirement and How to Deal With Them. With careful consideration, youll be able to deliver a heartfelt address that celebrates all the successes and memories of your time at the organization. There were fires in which children perished. We can save people I would have said in the past we would have lost.". 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. 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. Look no further if youre stuck and need some ideas or inspiration. 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. 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 has held almost every rank in the Fire District and held each with distinction. A portable fire department bell is then tolled by another member. Copyright 2023 Print Edition/Archives $ 39.94. Thank you for everything you have done for us! David Stollman, chairman of the Lake County Board read a proclamation saluting Mastandreas career. The Gods were incensed and Prometheus was sentenced to be bound to a rock to eternal torment for his transgression where each day an eagle would feast on his liver only to have it grow back to be eaten again the next day. "We almost died that night," he recalled.But there were victories too. If you choose to make a funny retirement speech, be sure it is not offensive and still conveys your genuine appreciation for your colleagues. 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. Years from now, my fleeting memories will be filled with the experiences that had the greatest impacts on my life. Coming back wasn't easy, he said. At least age 55 with 25 or more years of service you will receive $250 per month. Home & Real Estate Sign up for the Peninsula Foodist newsletter. of his retirement after 32 years of distinguished. Knowing what to say when passing the baton and sharing final words of wisdom is challenging. Two engines carrying seven personnel from Fire Station No. 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.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. In 2021, the global US speech therapy market was valued at USD 4.13 billion. PR for Police, Fire, Schools and Municipal Government. Salutes were given by all fire department personnel in attendance, which included not only Lake Zurich firefighters, but also representatives of many departments from Buffalo Grove to Skokie. On his third day back at work, Menlo Park Fire Protection District Chief Harold Schapelhouman leaves Interim Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Belville's office for a board meeting on Jan. 9, 2014. Uploaded: Sun, Jul 11, 2021, 8:29 am Home We spent countless hours brainstorming ideas and building projects together, often coming up with solutions for problems we thought would never be solved. As the bagpipe music continued, the fire department doors opened and an honor guard filed out. But there were victories too. Over his years as a firefighter and first responder within the fire district, there were plenty of harrowing and traumatic calls, he remembers. The Green Oaks Family Academy Elementary School Fire Protection Act became law in 2002, but Schapelhouman expressed disappointment that the legislation didn't cover existing school campuses, just new ones. speeches were made about great victories, battles fought upon the open sea, raging storms weathered, and voyages to distant and strange lands with ports-of-call others only dreamed about. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, If you need further help setting your homepage, check your browsers Help menu, Chief shares details about Calif. firefighters' strip club scandal, I cant breathe: Patient dies after 5 Calif. FF-medics violate policy, Fla. FF files complaint over photo of chief with 'Hitler-style mustache' giving Nazi salute on duty, Video: 6 DCFEMS members placed on leave after physical fight on scene, , "Successful Transformational Change in a Fire and EMS Department: How a Focused Team Created a Revenue Recovery Program in Six Months, Open the tools menu in your browser. This article, originally published on March 3, 2015, had been updated. Paul Schebel was promoted to Lieutenant. They ceremoniously folded it and presented it to Mayor Suzanne Branding, who stood nearby. I worked extremely hard. Lexipol. He credits the community and the staff of the district for shaping his life in a profound way. Community Calendar The district was known for firing people regularly and often, he said.The traumas of his job early on almost deterred him from the field, he said. Promotions Kate Bradshaw reports food news and feature stories all over the Peninsula, from south of San Francisco to north of San Jos. As such, it often requires giving a retirement speech to acknowledge the occasion and those with whom youve worked for many years. With becoming a chief over 20 years ago Ive had the honor of working with many different fire chiefs and that is one of the things Ill cherish, Partridge said. Sleepily, he went with his friends to stand in line at the station near St. Patrick's Seminary to take the test. A photograph of a printed image of Menlo Park Fire Protection District Chief Harold Schapelhouman in his early days at the fire department, taken during his retirement party at Station 1 in Menlo Park on June 28, 2021. Menlo Park Fire Protection District Chief Harold Schapelhouman in his office on this third day back at work, Jan. 9, 2014. 1 and the traditional walk-out ceremony began. Copyright 2023 I will miss all of you tremendously and hope to stay in touch to see how everyone is doing. 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.) Advertising Info Photo by Daniela Beltran B. 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. Marc Kalbaugh retired from the Hauser Lake Volunteer Fire Department in 2019. It is an honorable and With that said, I will miss all of you and wish you and (name of company) continued success. This picture is pretty much how I feel today. Over time, Schapelhouman began to work more in the realm of fire prevention and advocacy. After years of living on a work cycle (mine was 24 hours on and 48 hours off), you'll find yourself needing to adjust to the world of the 40-hour work week, especially if you take on another job. WebFire Fighter Retirement Speech by Colleague. When I first started my career, I never imagined all the wonderful memories and relationships that would come with it. Fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman at the Menlo Park Fire Protection District emergency command center, September 2011. I am thankful for the opportunities Ive enjoyed here to make a difference by working diligently on staff development initiatives, fundraising efforts, and day-to-day operations. If you have any 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). I was able to do that. ET. Essentially working 24/7, 365 days a year, means sleepless nights and missed meals, taking time away from your own families and their needs to meet the needs of others. Embarcadero Media The hero is the man who lets no obstacle prevent him from pursuing the values he has chosen.. "Sometimes people don't say thanks or are not nice, or are going through their own stuff you may not know about we have to be professional to them. At one point he received a vote of no confidence, which he said was "breathtakingly disappointing. 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. 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. Suicides witnessed and responded to. Short Retirement Speech 3. 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! All rights reserved. Then, silence fell upon the crowd as the last tone out was given to honor Mastandreas years of public service. And Im saying goodbye to the most supportive and incredible colleagues. united states navy. Larry 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.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. 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. Like any other written work, your retirement speech should have a narrative that walks through the main points clearly and concisely. 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. Copyright 2023 City of Covington, Kentucky | Web Design & Development by. 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. "Sometimes people don't say thanks or are not nice, or are going through their own stuff you may not know about we have to be professional to them.
Who Is Stronger Kirito Or Alice,
Lansing Plane Crash Today,
Georgi Rusev Zodiac Sign,
Email Addresses For Major Newspapers,
Jeri Shapiro Woodbridge,
Articles F