Firefighter Memorial And Recognition Ceremony 2019

[Jim O'Bryan]

One of Lakewood's great small town events is the Annual Firefighter Memorial And Recognition Ceremony. Where the community turns out to kick off Fire Prevention Week, award the new "Junior Firefighter" as judged by an essay writing contest, thank all the retiring firefighters, while swearing in all the new firefighters. This year was special for many reasons, one of them being Chief Scott Gilman was retiring and his replacement, Fire Chief Tim Dunphy would be getting sworn in. Also there was a surprise waiting in the wings for all Lakewoodites.


Held at Fire Station 1, Lakewood always turns out.


Veterans of the fire department show up so it becomes very much a party. Here is former Fire Chief James Anderson age 92, easily one of the most loved figures in Lakewood's history.


2019 Junior Fire Chief Caden Sandoval from Lincoln School reads his winning essay to all in attendance.


Recognition of retiring Firefighters David Brodke, and Fire Chief Scott Gilman.


Lakewood City Council awards Brodke and Gilman. Mayor Summers, Nickie Anotonio and Michael Skindell also brought proclamations, Resolutions and other awards for both.


Firefighter Christopher Jedlicka gets sworn in.


Firefighter Daniel Corsillo gets sworn in.


Firefighter Vincenzo Russo gets sworn in.


Firefighter Benjamin Fitchwell gets sworn in.


Firefighter Christopher Makaryk gets sworn in.


Firefighter Oliver Harper gets sworn in.


Fire Marshall Captain Ryan Fairbanks gets sworn into his new rank and position.


Captain Nicholas Sambula gets sworn in on his new commission.


Fire Chief Tim Dunphy gets sworn in as Chief of the Fire Department.


Tim's wife places the gold badge of Fire Chief on Tim.


Mayor Summers congratulates Tim.


Chief Dunphy and Mayor Summers place a wreath for fallen firefighters next to the 9-11 Monument.


A 21 Gun Salute by the LFD Color Guard and LPD Lodge #25 Honor Guard.


It was somewhat bittersweet having grown up with Mayor Summers to be watching the last time he would address and swear in Firefighters at this event. This is the part of the job where Mike really shines and you could tell he loves doing it.


Fire Chief Dunphy speaks of the Veterans especially James Anderson, whose father was a Lakewood Firefighter before him, and whose children went into the Fire Department.


And with that everyone files out, the new firefighters thanking Chief Dunphy.


Fire Chief Dunphy explains to Mayoral Candidates Meghan George and Sam O'Leary, no room for politics at the Fire Department.

You can see all 70 photos of the events at: http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/ ... emony-2019

Thank you to Lakewood Fire Department for everything you and your crew does.

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