|
CAPTAIN JIM TOEPER (left) is pictured with Manhattan Fire Chief Dan Forsythe during the fire department's recent appreciation dinner. Toeper was honored for 35 years of service with the Manhattan Fire Protection District appreciation dinner.
Firemen Honored at Appreciation Dinner  Share
Firemen of the Manhattan Fire Protection District were together on Saturday evening at Green Garden Country Club for an appreciation dinner that honors many for their years of service and commitment to the district, whether as a full-time member or volunteer. The district - currently comprised of six full-time, 10 part-time, and 31 volunteer firefighters - were dressed up in their finest blues to enjoy dinner, drinks, and dancing with their spouses or dates. Chief Dan Forsythe began the opening remarks, for the first time since the retirement of Jack Fitzgerald. ''Jack never told me I had to do this,'' Forsythe laughed. ''First, I would like to thank the trustees who take care of all the money and...oh, I can't think of anything.'' Forsythe's wit was well received. On a more serious note, Forsythe took the opportunity to thank village officials Marian Gibson and Tom Pahnke, as well as Mayor Bill Borgo who were on hand for the dinner.
''We have a great relationship with the village and have done great things regarding fire safety,'' Forsythe said. ''I don't know what would have been accomplished if these three had not been in place.'' After dinner many awards were presented. Retiring from the volunteer fire department were: Jim Cieply (nine years), Paul Kinsella (11 years), John Durkin (12 years), Andy Walsh (16 years) and Chief Fitzgerald (52 years). Each received a small check, which was based on their years of service and the number of calls in which they assisted over the years. Lieutenant Dale VanderBoegh presented an award to fire district trustee Burton Barr as he stepped down from the board after 26 years. ''We have the finest EMS and fire personal in our district, including cutting-edge training,'' VanderBoegh said. ''Burton had a big part in arranging a lot of this.'' Five-year service pins were awarded to: Don Hunt, Justin Kozar, Matt Murphy and Rob Park. Kris Gonda received a pin for 15 years; Allison VanderBoegh, 25 years; Captain Jerry Kinsella, 30 years; and Captain Jim Toeper, 35 years. District members' accomplishments were acknowledged and included: paramedic graduates, Mark Fiocca and Justin Kozar; John Baskerville and Jer Naughton, currently in paramedic classes; accepted into medic school, Andy Hughes and Kyle McKenna; EMT-B graduates, Mike Fiocca and Lil Cooper; Eric Murphy and Matt Murphy, currently in EMT-B classes; fire academy graduates, Eric Murphy and Justin Pfizenmaier; and Mike Fiocca, Megan Hoholik and John Lynch, currently attending the fire academy. ''Boo-boo'' awards went to Megan Hoholik for ''gassing'' up the ambulance, which has a diesel engine, and Andrew Hughes, who had a hard time finding the hydrant shut-off button while filling a water tanker. Battalion Chief Bruce Boyle also received a ''boo-boo'' award for leaving his helmet behind on a call. Famous for reminding young firefighters to always be prepared and have their gear ready, Boyle was not present to accept his red plastic helmet complete with a rubber band chin strap. Lastly, before opening the dance floor, the awards of great pride were presented to: Eric Murphy Ð Rookie of the Year; Chief Dan Forsythe - Chief Dale VanderBoegh Officer of the Year; and Todd Burke Memorial EMS of the Year Ð Ed Ludwig. The Jack Fitzgerald Award for Fire Fighting Excellence was awarded to Steve Malone. Mary Bernhard is a regular contributor to Russell Publications.
|
This Week's Front Page »
Related Stories »
|
