Lakewood Fire Department Recognition Day 2023

[Jim O'Bryan]

The Lakewood Fire Department take a break in October, not from service, but to recognize the fire fighters that have died, retired, been hired and commended over the past year. I always love the event, not just because it is for a group of people that are always there for all of us, but are a real family of individuals that work so well for everyone.

Yesterday's event, was one of my favorites, here are some photos...


The 87th Pipe and Drum Corp, pipe in the firefighters.




Chief Dunphy addresses the people there.


2023 Junior Fire Chief Jayden Fleming reads his essay on Fire Safety.


Hail and Farewell, as 87th Pipe and Drums plays, "Amazing Grace" and a 21 gun salute for those that have left us.

Promotions and New Recruits!

Captain Martin Wallenhorst gets sworn into his new rank of Captain.


As his son pins on his Captain Badge, his daughter and wife look on.


New Firefighter/Paramedic Nicholas Gehler gets sworn in.


New Firefighter/Paramedic Anthony Favazzo gets sworn in.


New Firefighter/Paramedic Zachary Stryffeler gets sworn in.




New Firefighter/Paramedic Colin Lucas gets sworn in.


New Firefighter/Paramedic Jeffery Mortensen gets sworn in.


New Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew Tibjash after getting sworn in.

Then came the awards, and the party...





You can see all of the photos at: https://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs ... emony-2023

I would like to take a second to thank Lakewood Fire Department. Since starting the paper I have had many opportunities to work with and interact with Lakewood Fire. In some pretty dire and dangerous situations. I have NEVER witnessed a Lakewood Firefighter hesitate for even a second before going into a burning home or dangerous situation. I have never seen or heard one question any order or job given. Spending off time with them is also a tremendous pleasure. Simply put, they are a family that love working together.

Lakewood, we are indeed lucky.

From the program
Firefighter Recognition Ceremony 2023
10-08-2023

Agenda
All Companies Assemble At Station 1
Lakewood Fire Department Color Guard
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 25
87th Pipe and Drums

Opening Hymn/Song
87th Pipes and Drums

Opening Comments
Fire Chief Timothy Dunphy

Master of Ceremonies
Fire Marshall Ryan Fairbanks

Opening Prayer
Reverend James Heffner

Junior Fire Chief
Jayden Fleming from Horace Mann

Hail and Farewell
87th Pipes and Drums/Color Guard

Recognition of Retirees
Captain Gordon Polando
Captain Joseph Schmook
Firefighter Steven Colbert
Firefighter Dean Jalovec
Firefighter Matthew Kopack
Paramedic Supervisor Charles Flynn

Swearing In Ceremony
Captain Martin Wellenhorst
Firefighter/Paramedic Nicolas Gehler
Firefighter/Paramedic Anthony Favazzo
Firefighter/Paramedic Zachary Stryffeler
Firefighter/Paramedic Colin Lucas
Firefighter/Paramedic Jeffery Mortensen
Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew Tibjash

Awards Ceremony
Chief Timothy Dunphy

Meritorious Service Award
John Paul-Terranova and Chris Makaryk

Life Saving Award
Mike Tripodi, Dan Santry, Chris Makaryk and Dalton Jalovec

Benediction
Reverend James Heffner

Closing Remarks
Chief Timothy Dunphy

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