"My
father was like the founder of a family business. Not the normal type, a
plumbing company, electrician, or an auto mechanic like his father had been.
His father, my grandfather, could not begin to comprehend why anyone in their
right mind would actually enjoy, downright love, the challenge and experience
of going into a burning building. But he was impressed and proud that his son
was one of those people.
It
became a family business around the time I learned to walk. The fire station
was the center of the community in West Corners. It sponsored the little league
team I played for. Ice cream and cupcakes were an annual tradition that
continues to this day. The older I got, the more I learned about the serious,
real side of things; the sometimes very ugly side.
I
had the best teacher in the county, if not the state. One that I’m proud to say
has had the same influence on at least three generations of Broome County
firefighters. By the end of his thirty years as a New York State Fire
Instructor, nothing would make his night more than to have a young man or woman
approach him at the beginning of a class and say “my Grandfather said to say
hello to you.” He was immensely proud
when I put on the white coat and helmet of a chief, and there was no better
advisor I could t urn to.
Even
better than that for him was when his first grandson joined the family
business. As much as he enjoyed it, I had an even better perspective having
been able to learn from him and then teach my son. Dad visiting Mike at his
station in Montgomery County, Maryland brought out a t spark in him. Seeing the
pictures of the county chief hang a medal for valor around his grandson’s neck
brought tears to his stoic face. Having his second grandson come into the
family business was the cherry on top of the sundae. He lived vicariously
through their stories and not surprisingly, was never shy in offering his
opinion to them. He was beyond excited
at a multi-day visit Daniel paid to Maryland to ride with his cousin. Having
both his boys on the same fire truck was a dream come true.
The
girls, his granddaughters, were his sunshine. He delighted and marveled at
their educational and professional accomplishments. They wrapped him around
their little fingers, and it was a place he was happy to be. Showing off his granddaughters at his favorite
local restaurants was an early day in heaven for him. Megan and Katie were among the best at getting
him to do things he didn’t really want to do.
He
outlived the doctor’s projections, and there is only one reason. That is the
loving care he received living with Beth, Jack, Katie, and Daniel. The
countless sleepless nights, trips to doctors and hospitals, and other medical
treatment. Beth Ann never wanted to be a nurse, but going through this, she
became one Mom would be proud of. Having a real one there in Katie was
priceless. And Jack and Daniel probably know more about the care and treatment
of cancer patients than they ever wanted to. No one could have done more to
make his last year better than they did, and I will be eternally grateful for
that.
Like
most men, his family is his legacy, but in the case of my father, it’s not
limited to his blood relations. The fire service is a family and his legacy is
present throughout this room, this county, this state, and beyond. All those he
taught and influenced in his long career.
While
he’s no longer with us in person, his spirit will be felt for generations more.
And I can tell you from personal experience, God’s fire department just picked
up on heck of an incident commander."
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