In lieu of a monthly newsletter, Beacon Hose Chief Jim Trzaski penned a year-in-review piece to recap everything that our department faced in 2014 and what’s to come in 2015. Here’s his message:
As we look forward to a new year, oftentimes we look back and reflect on the year that has past. For Beacon Hose Co. No. 1, 2014 was a time of challenge and change. Our members responded to the call again and again with the resourcefulness, passion and professionalism that defines our organization.
Although our call load is not overwhelming it has, at times, been challenging. Beacon Hose members have affected many people from responding to medical calls, alarms, fires, rescues and numerous service calls. Every call that was answered was handled efficiently, effectively and with care and compassion for the people we serve. These are the values that drive our service.
Beacon Hose had a successful year of service to our community beyond responding to calls for service. Many challenges during our carnival, such as overcoming weather and power problems, were navigated by the “wisdom and the clever things we do” (part of the “Boys from Beacon Hose” song. Our fire prevention program and smoke alarm program reached out to our community and have made our community much safer. Beacon Hose fundraisers and community service activities were fun and successful, creating great public relations with the community we serve. We have cemented existing friendships and have created new friends and supporters. Beacon Hose has come alive on the web with an updated website and Facebook — this has been most effective in getting our message out to our customers.
Beacon Hose has always been a family, bringing a mixture of talents, ideas and personalities together for our common goal of providing exceptional EMS and fire rescue services to our community. At times, as with any family, it can be a challenge. We mourned the loss of three anchor members in 2014: Past Chief Roger Brennan, Past Chief “Rinky” DelVecchio and drill master Fran Keith. Beacon Hose said goodbye to our family members with dignity and professionalism, while displaying compassion and comfort to the loved ones left behind.
We have challenged and supported each other in an effort to move Beacon Hose forward. I appreciate the time and talents of all of our members. Although it may not be immediately noticed, each of you have had an effect on our organization and certainly to the people we serve. I am humbled and proud to be able to serve as chief of Beacon Hose Co. No. 1.
The primary goal for 2015 is to be ready for the response. This may sound like a simple goal, and it is, but it takes a commitment by every member. Realign your commitment to Beacon Hose and remember our mission statement: Beacon Hose Co. No. 1 is dedicated to the protection of life, property and the environment from the effects of fire, medical emergencies and hazardous conditions.
Thank you for your continued efforts in improving Beacon Hose. We wish everyone a happy and healthy new year!