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.