Wednesday, December 05, 2007 The Best Retirement Speech If you are just joining in today, be sure to read the posts below. "They gave it the best college try they could give it, but he didn't make it," he said. PRIDE AND OWNERSHIP: THE LOVE FOR THE JOB - Fire 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. 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. Shortly after, I was hired, then in the door came, Nick, Chris, and Seth. He was an instructor for fire, EMSand hazardous materials courses at the local, state and federal levels, which included more than 10 years with the National Fire Academy. 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. ", 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. Over his years as a firefighter and first responder within the fire district, there were plenty of harrowing and traumatic calls, he remembers. This type of retirement speech allows for more time as you pour your heart out and express how the people around you have positively impacted your life over the years. Schapelhouman, then 20, needed some convincing. Not unlike a colorful family, weve had our share of laughs and disagreements, but ultimately we have always come together to get the job done. Giving a Farewell Speech at Work (With Examples and On a more genuine note, I will certainly miss all of you and our great work here. "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. The following is a transcript of Marcs speech. Terms of Use 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. 4. For many of us, that journey started in the volunteer ranks where we cut our teeth in the business. 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. In May 2013, about seven years into his tenure as chief and after escaping unscathed from so many high-risk rescue situations, Schapelhouman was struck with a life-changing injury in his own backyard. He was left unable to walk and with only partial use of one hand. 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. I miss those old guys, and unfortunately I never took the opportunity to tell them how much they meant to us. Larry Shapiro photo. service to the Glens ET. 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. "I took that real hard. Become a member today. But the physical test was another story. 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. It has taken some time for me to come to this decision and its hard for me to make it. There were fires in which children perished. You know you're going into a fire driven building, but you're not just firefighters. He was left unable to walk and with only partial use of one hand. "We got as close to 60 kids getting incinerated that day as you can get," he said. "Every single day you've got to do the job, whether your body's cooperating or not cooperating. Volunteer Firefighter Retirement Home & Real Estate Leadership PRIDE AND OWNERSHIP: THE LOVE FOR THE JOB: CEREMONIES THAT STOKE THE FLAMES OF TRADITION 1.1.2005 BY RICK LASKY He still remembers graphic details from the first death he witnessed on the job, of a man involved in a motorcycle accident on Constitution Drive. 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. I worked extremely hard. Vickery's Retirement Speech You're engaged in prevention as well. All rights reserved. Consider these retirement target hazards and pre-plan accordingly. 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 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. "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. Kentucky He has held almost every rank in the Fire District and held each with distinction. 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. TownSquare 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. 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. Retirement from a life-long career can be a stressful event, regardless of the field. Your first introduction to Covington was the ambulance. You learned a lot very quickly. A parade of fire, police and other emergency response vehicles, with their lights and sirens activated, traveled through the town before arriving at the station. With the extremely risky work Schapelhouman took on, they worried about how a family would fit into the picture. 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. 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. Experiences like that were especially scary because the responders didn't know what hazardous chemicals they might have been exposed to. 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. WebThe monthly amount of you pension is determined by your years of service. Blogs The MarketWatch News Department was not involved in the creation of this content. Pitch Perfect Speeches for Every Audience with a 100% Money Back Guarantee, Air Force Enlisted Member Retirement Speech by Retiree. 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. Northern New England 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. Here are a few quotes about fire along with bravery quotes to inspire you. 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). The traumas of his job early on almost deterred him from the field, he said. He had been passed over in his first effort to join the Los Altos firefighting staff and had recommitted himself to his college coursework. The MarketWatch News Department was not involved in the creation of this content. 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. $ 39.94. Speech But please dont envy my new freedom. 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! Its difficult to put into words just how much this moment means to me. I'm not saying you get there overnight, but in the end, it's the reason the fire service is the most trusted profession. Vitas also quietly spoke to Mastandrea as bystanders looked on. As you all know, [name] is retiring at the end of the month and moving on to the next, less stressful chapter of life. ET 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. Microwaves can destroy any great dinner that has been sitting 5 hours while you were out on calls, sleep was actually something your parents made up so they had some peace and quiet, you can make 25 EMS calls in 24 hrs, and never ask anyone why they were "doing that" at 4:30' in the morning from there you realized something; the only 2 things a Firefighter wants in his or her career are time and opportunity. Whether it was getting to all those projects that you never seemed to have time for or taking care of business for family and friends, your weekly schedule can fill up in a hurry. Partridge closed the ceremony speaking about his history in the fire service and thanking his family and those who have helped him throughout his career, as well as the fire chiefs from around the region who attended. Most people don't want to admit this, but wardrobe management is not necessarily in our DNA. More than 100 friends, family members, firefighters, paramedics and elected officials filled the lawn and driveway in front of the firehouse. We are all blessed to have had the privilege of working alongside such an incredible person. BY: Senator STEC. Today, I have many mixed emotions. Copyright 2023 Our amazing team accomplished so much in the years Ive been here, and Im proud to have played a part in our success. Thank you all for your encouragement and friendship I will never forget it. Kate Bradshaw writes for The Almanac, a sister publication of PaloAltoOnline.com. Covington Fire Department Captain Dan Frederick Issues 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. But the physical test was another story. Your contribution matters. 45 Best Firefighter Retirement Quotes For Firefighters It really has been my honor to serve with all of you and to serve this community. Express / Weekend Express Here are a few things that you can expect to experience once you hang up your turnout gear for the last time. Get the latest local news and information sent straight to your inbox. Branding presented the flag to Mastandrea, commemorating his 21 years of service as village fire chief. 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. Schapelhouman's daughter, now 21, was born just months after he returned from a trip abroad to provide search and rescue aid during the Chi Chi earthquake in Taiwan in 1999. 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. He also thanked the families of the firefighters, the community and the City of Covington for their support and the opportunity to serve. I think about all the fantastic people Ive met who have helped me along the way from supervisors who encouraged me through challenging times to mentors who gave wise advice when the going got tough. About nine months after the injury, he resumed the role of chief, this time from a wheelchair. Chief Avsec earned his bachelors degree from the University of Cincinnati and his masters degree in executive fire service leadership from Grand Canyon University. 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. 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. "We almost died that night," he recalled.But there were victories too. I was able to do that. he was told. 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. The honor guard then led the Mastandrea family back into the firehouse as the crowd cheered. 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. Firefighter Retirement Awards - Tip and Suggestions. He eventually joined the fire class in Sunnyvale because it paid the best among local agencies, and it was there he fell in love with the art of fighting fire, he said.He spent time after high school working in commercial construction, and he credits that work for not just helping him to build fitness, but to develop an instinctual understanding of buildings, a skill that would set him apart later in a field dedicated to saving structures and their inhabitants during disasters.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.It wasn't an easy job, and there were plenty of dangers and lots of internal pressures within the department. But life goes on and while Im grateful for the wonderful memories with all of you, I also look forward to new challenges ahead. 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. He played a pivotal role in creating Menlo Park's urban search and rescue team, and was called upon to respond to some of the worst national and international disasters of the past decades. Photo by Daniela Beltran B. There were also challenging calls that came from scientific laboratory sites like Raychem and SRI, he said. 860. With careful consideration, youll be able to deliver a heartfelt address that celebrates all the successes and memories of your time at the organization. 2023-2029 "Speech Analytics Market" Insight, With 101+ Pages By IRB. Another 40 years from now, he said, he's hoping the district will continue to adapt by gaining knowledge, technology and convenience through automation. 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. Speech FireRescue1 is revolutionizing the way the fire service community 781-428-3299. Enjoy your retirement, Chief Schapelhouman! 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. HONORING Chief James Schrammel upon the occasion. It's tough to find that kind of satisfaction working in the non-fire service world. I leave the fire service going to a different chapter. These relationships made coming to work each day a pleasure rather than a chore. Fire protection district in Hauser, Idaho. The music abruptly stopped, and all attention shifted to member of the honor guard, who slowly began to lower the American flag. Schapelhouman was born in Canada, and his family moved to Barron Park in Palo Alto when he was about 3 years old. It was even through the fire district that he met the woman who would later become his wife. "I took that real hard.". Fail one, and you were out.The hardest was a timed test that required carrying more than 120 pounds of equipment up a training tower, and many strong-looking candidates were failing. Circulation & Delivery, About Us There were fires in which children perished. Two engines carrying seven personnel from Fire Station No. 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. 2023 Palo Alto Online. He credits the community and the staff of the district for shaping his life in a profound way. The hero is the man who lets no obstacle prevent him from pursuing the values he has chosen.. Government entity. Research conducted in the military and law enforcement fields shows that retirement from a career in public safety can be more stressful than retirement from the civilian workforce. Every department is different, but the common denominator is the people who go out there and do the job.. But there still will be fires, and there will continue to be firefighters. 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. This is a real chance for you to shine and to pay tribute to comradeship.Having shared so much over the years youll want a professionally written fire fighter retirement speech by colleague that covers all the bases and that is exactly what you will get. This is an inspiring story and a wonderful example of what it means to dedicate one's life to serving the community. The MarketWatch News Department was not involved in the creation of this content. [Name] has worked at this company for [number] years and has been an integral part of its success. This may be called Tools or use an icon like the cog. Parting Words from a Volunteer Firefighter Hauser Lake Fire 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. You deserve it! "The most satisfied retirees tended to be those who planned for their retirement several years in advance.". Meanwhile, those risks Schapelhouman was taking also had an impact on his home life, he said. "The job essentially is bigger than any of us the responsibility to protect the community and serve the community," he said. 5 Retirement Speech Ideas with Examples 1. 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 a lifetime of hard work and dedication, retirement is a big milestone in life. Retirement 617-993-0003, Southern New England The only other careers that parallel that of the fire service that strong sense of camaraderie, daily exposures to the unknown, and retirement at an early age are found in law enforcement and the military. Aquascape's Annual Fish and Plants Spring Sale! Stay up-to-date with breaking JGPR client news. From you, Ive learned invaluable lessons about life and work; but most importantly, Ive learned that relationships are what matter in the end. 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. "Heck yeah, that was awesome!" PR for Police, Fire, Schools and Municipal Government. "Fire seasons aren't getting smaller. NY Senate Resolution | NY State Senate The hardest was a timed test that required carrying more than 120 pounds of equipment up a training tower, and many strong-looking candidates were failing. 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. Partridge retired in October 2020 after a 36-year career in fire service. A Great Speech: A Firefighters Plea To Think Small Can you move an audience to action in just four minutes? Following the parade, a ceremony took place with several speakers to honor Partridge. But also, it will be exciting to transition into a less demanding lifestyle. for. Then once we were in, we immersed ourselves in the fire service culture. These fire fighters retirement speeches convey light-hearted and warm retirement wishes and end with appropriate toasts. And most importantly, I want to continue providing opportunities to the next generation, so they have the support I was lucky enough to receive. Fire Department Pension Fund - Government of New York City To the Auxiliary, some folks say you join the fire department to fight fire, I think I joined because at 3 oclock in the morning being handed a sandwich, beef jerky, and a beverage means so much. of Fire Chief John Clement on his Use these pointers as a checklist that you can refer to when putting together your retirement speech. What Retirement Looks Like for a Fire Plus, Schapelhouman admits to having a workaholic streak. Paul Schebel was promoted to Lieutenant. (Lets ask her again at day 100!) They're getting bigger, and I worry about firefighter safety," he said. We can save people I would have said in the past we would have lost.". Spotlight 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. 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. He is outspoken on any issue where there is a threat to our community even when doing so was not politically correct. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for fire service professionals worldwide.
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