Saturday, May 06, 2017

A Very Proud Costa Mesa Event


REMARKABLE PINNING CEREMONY FRIDAY
The Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Department held a pinning ceremony Friday, May 5th in City Council Chambers at 10:00 a.m. and it was a truly wonderful event!
SIX PROMOTIONS, ONE PROBATION COMPLETION AND 13 NEW FIREFIGHTERS
Chief Dan Stefano, aided by Division Chief Jason Pyle and Battalion Chiefs Kevin Diamond, Bill Kershaw and Tim Vasin, made the presentations.  Captain Chris Coates guided the special presentation to the thirteen (13) new firefighters who were introduced to the audience with one day left on their training schedule.  By the time you read this they will be folded into the deployment schedule and will be out there saving our lives.
WITH GREAT PRIDE...
So, without many more words, here are my visual memories of that wonderful day - one EVERY single Costa Mesan should view with great pride.
13 rookies chillin' before the ceremony
Retired Deputy Chief Fred Seguin Arrives For The Ceremony
Honor Guard
 Chief Dan Stefano
Division Chief Jason Pyle
 Chaplain Mike Decker presented the invocation
 Mayor Katrina Foley Addresses the Crowd
 The crowd
Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Video Presentation
 Captain Chris Coates Addresses The Cadre of Trainers
The Cadre 
The Rookies and Cadre
Chief Stefano Presents Firefighter Corey Brean


Firefighter Corey Brean Pinned By His Mother
Chief Pyle Presents Engineer Dan Bangle
Engineer Bangle Pinned By His Wife
Chief Pile Presents Engineer Kevin Reddy 
 Engineer Reddy Pinned By His Wife
Chief Pyle Presents Engineer Travis Johnson (absent)
Chief Diamond Presents Captain Justin Horner
 Captain Horner Is Pinned By His Wife
Chief Kershaw Presents Captain Gary Lilly
Captain Lilly Is Pinned By His Daughter
Chief Vasin Presented Captain Chuck Torres
Captain Torres Is Pinned By His Wife With Children Attending
City Clerk Brenda Green Swears-in All Members
PHOTOS, FOOD AND FESTIVITIES
Following the ceremonies photos were taken in council chambers and the crowd and participants adjourned to the porch where refreshments and camaraderie awaited.  Here are a few images of those few minutes.
The Mayor And Chiefs With New Captains And Engineers
Rookies chillin' after the ceremony
Former Interim Chief Tom Arnold Schmoozing (above and below)
A VERY INSPIRING EVENT
I must say that this was one of the most inspiring events I've attended in our city.  To see brave men moving forward in their careers, and more than a dozen rookies ready to put their lives on the line for us as they begin their careers was very moving.  At least a couple of the men receiving recognition Friday were second-generation firefighters, carrying on a family tradition.
 LIFE LESSONS TO BE LEARNED
As each person being promoted was presented their life story was explained.  We learned how long and hard they had worked to achieve this step in their career, and learned much more about the public service orientation it takes to fill these roles.  We learned they all focused on their target and, despite some very formidable obstacles, just kept on plugging away.  Each story had a wonderful life lesson for us all.  And, oh, yes... Captain Chuck Torres has a smile that could light up the City!
KUDOS AND THANKS
Thanks to Chief Dan Stefano and his remarkable team for presenting this terrific community event.  I'm grateful to be able to share it with you.

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2 Comments:

Anonymous Where's My Coffee? said...

Geoff, thank you for this blog about the fire department. One of your best.

Welcome firefighters!! Its been a long time coming and we're glad you're here.

5/07/2017 07:42:00 AM  
Anonymous My CA said...

This place is my hometown. Proud it!

5/14/2017 02:09:00 AM  

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