×
Register an Account
Forgot Login?
June 2007
Jul 19, 2007
Feederline
June 2007
 
Welcome to the latest edition of the Feederline. Until I started to write this I didn't realize its been over four months since the last edition. I apologize for that but the Spring and early Summer is a busy time for everyone. I have tried to keep everyone updated with Flashover's and important notices via email. Those that do not have electronic delivery are the only ones who miss out on the updates. Please try to keep your email address' updated so that you don't miss the important "stuff". Lots of stuff to report on so lets go. Enjoy your Summer.
 
E-Mail Updates:
 
Add:    Mike Ryan            MERyan94@yahoo.com
Add:    Alissa Gallagher    agallagher_@hotmail.com
Add:    Carlos Smith        Sharon30@optonline.net
Add:    Mike McDaniel      Gort15@aol.com
Add:    Bob Turner            BobTee@optonline.net
Add:    Brian Connelly       Webdoggy127@optonline.net
Add:    Frank Murphy        FrankMurphy07@hotmail.com
Add:    Brian Trenchard    Trench31@hotmail.com
Add:    Frank Geer           FEG4@aol.com
Add:    Jim Connors         JConnor4@optonline.net
Add:    Rich Dzialo           RichDzialo@hotmail.com
Add:    Kyle Wengenroth   Kwengenroth@sbcglobal.net
Add:    Mimi Mudrick        MMudrick@ci.milford.ct.us
Change:    Gavin O'Brien    gavoff@optonline.net
Change:    Bill Bahr            SandBill69@msn.com
Change:    John Swingle     cybermerlyn@comcast.net
 
 
That's all for now folks. These are all adds or changes since the update in February.
 
Sick Call:
 
Jack Edmonds, Glen Goll, Jason Hall, Rick Theriault and Tom Thornberg are all back to full duty.
Dave Gray on light duty pending pension request.
 
Babies:
 
A lot of new arrivals but on some I have lost my notes, so I will touch on them briefly and when I have full info, I can publish it in the next issue.
 
Mike and Berget Wydra, twins on February 14 (Valentines Day!) Aiden Michael and Audrey Paige. So far they have kept their sanity. All are doing well. They join a number of other members of the Department who have twins. Can it be the long night shifts that produce doubles?
 
Tony and Michelle Fino have a new baby. (Sorry no more than that) This is another couple that have twins.
 
Jason and Jessica Dombrowski also a new arrival. (Again no more info) Their apartment is bursting so they are scheduled to purchase a house shortly. Welcome to the world of a homeowner and a larger family. Just wait.
 
Jack Hyatt became a Grandfather AGAIN! Daughter in law Gina Hyatt had a baby girl on April Fools Day.
 
Lou LaVecchia became a Grandfather AGAIN! His daughter Erin Marschner had a baby boy on April 16. Another car seat for the back of Car 1 along with all of the sporting equipment.
 
Kyle and Vickie Brotherton an baby boy on 6/25, Lucas William Brotherton
 
Coming and going:
 
Best of luck to Dave Rizzo who retired in March on a Non Service Disability Pension. We wish him well and hope that he can enjoy his retirement. This will give him more time to perform in Geico commercials. ("So easy a ....... can do it")
 
Good health to Bo Hyatt who retired in April on a Non Service Disability Pension. Bo was the coordinator for all of the Marine activities of the Fire Dept. You will be sorely missed. Hope to see you in happier times out on the water.
 
Also to Bo Hyatt , congratulations on his marriage to Susan Holm in January at the Elvis Presley Memorial Chapel in Las Vegas.
 
A special note, Joel Baldwin, former Mayor of the City is set to retire in August as the Director of the City Human Resources Development Agency. Mr. Baldwin was the candidate that the Local supported in the campaign against "Diz" Moore. The famous mayor who flipped the finger to the Fire and Police members who were protesting contract negotiations at City Hall. The Police and Fire Union supported and worked hard for the election of Joel and shortly after his election, contracts were settled for both Unions in a fair and equitable manner. Good luck and enjoy your retirement Mr. Baldwin, a true fair and honest individual and a long time supporter of Milford Firefighters.
 
 
Condolences to the family of Retired Firefighter Bob Paige who passed away after a brief battle with cancer.
 
Condolences to the family of Roxy Osgood (Chuck's widow) who passed away in February in Prospect at the Marathon Health Care Center.
 
Condolences to Tom Thornberg whose step daughter passed away in a motor vehicle accident in April.
 
Condolences to Steve Romano and Rick Theriault whose Father/Father in Law, Fred Romano,  passed away in June.
 
New Arrivals:
 
Firefighter Brian Trenchard, Brian Connelly and Frank Murphy have completed Recruit Training at the Connecticut Fire Academy and have been assigned to shifts. They seem to be OK, but only time and how thick their skin is will tell. As usual the Milford Firefighters were at the top of the class, Welcome aboard Men.
 
Mrs. Mimi Mudrick has joined the Department as a Clerk replacing Mrs. Kathy Huber who has gone over to the Dark Side at the City Attorneys Office. Good luck to Kathy on her new position, we will miss you. Welcome to Mimi who will be taking over the difficult job of working for Lee Cooke AND doing payroll. Rots of Ruck Mimi.
 
Probationary Firefighters Eric Mohr and Dan Talaniec are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. They finish their Probation on July 5. They are both keepers and will make excellent Firefighters.
 
Probationary Firefighters Mike Geanacopoulos, Adam Hansen, Kyle Wengenroth and Ryan LaGuardia are doing well. They are now "Senior men" and are not letting the newest arrivals forget it. It doesn't make any difference that Doug Edo wants to fire Ryan, no one wants to write Geanacopoulos in their day book, Wengenroth is a nervous wreck and Hansen can't decide wether to be a Medic or Firefighter. You guys will make it, your half way there.
 
With the retirement of Bo Hyatt, Bill Healey was promoted to Battalion Chief, Dan DelVecchio to Captain and Ron Wetmore to Lieutenant.
 
The list for Lieutenant has been posted and congratulations to those that passed.
 
Excellent job by Dave Eisenhandler on completing his probation as the Assistant Superintendent of Apparatus. We expect big things from the little men in the shop. Keep em rolling.
 
Fine job by Todd Ricci on becoming a "Captain". He recently completed and passed a course certifying him as such by the U.S. Coast Guard. He will be assisting Gary Baker and Mike McDaniel in being the new coordinators of the Marine Division for the department.
 
Events:
 
Scott Tummins was the Fire Department representative this year at the Annual Leprechaun Leap into freezing Long Island Sound for the Literacy Center. This truly finalizes our feelings that he is out of his mind and gets his genes from his mentally unbalanced Father. Nice job Scotty.
 
The St. Patrick's Day Parade was again a huge success. A large contingent of members and retirees "strolled" behind the Department Honor Guard along with the members in the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums. World Champion Float Builder Mike Blaise again won a trophy for his "Corned Beef and Cabbage" float. He graciously gave the trophy to Joe Widman's son. Festivities were held afterward at various locations throughout town (some more than once).
 
The Annual Easter Egg Hunt was again a hit with the children. Over forty children attended and had a wonderful time locating the eggs and having refreshments afterwards. Thanks to the members of Station 7 for hosting and the Chief for again allowing the grounds to become a bunny patch.
 
Congratulations to Steve Mantie for shaving his hair off (before Danny Johnson had to tell him to) at the St. Baldricks Day event in New Haven. This event raises pledges to "pay" for the head shaving and raising funds for cancer research. As we all know this took a lot for Steve to participate in and I'm still not sure if Jodie has accepted the "new look" Steve yet, but his hair is just starting to grow back.
 
Gary Baker and Danny Wassmer, International Chili Cook Off Chefs, entered the Special Olympics Chili Cook Off at the Milford Yacht Club. Teams from Milford P. D., West Haven P. D., Orange, P. D., Milford Fire, Orange Fire and Stratford Fire were all competitors. Over $4,000.00 was raised for Special Olympics. The Milford Police won the event. It is highly suspicious in the results as they were the sponsors of the even. I would like to quote a number of participates; "The fix was in!" Even so, a good job for the Special Olympics.
 
The Cub Scout Pack 7 Annual Business Cup Pinewood Derby Race was held late in the winter season. The Local 944 entry, a Fire Truck, won First Prize in its Division. It is proudly on display at Station 2. The builder of the car was none other that Probationary Firefighter Ryan Laguardia who added another award to his list of accomplishments.
 
The Annual Sick Benefit Memorial Service in June had another large turn out from the members and retirees. Thanks to the men of Station 7 for the excellent grounds work, the Honor Guard and the Pipes and Drums. An estimated ninety guests attended to honor our deceased Brothers.
Quite a fine looking group of Retirees.
 
This and That:
 
On Tuesday May 9 2007 "Butch" Gordon Parmalee received the prestigious District Award of Merit from the Wepawaug Valley District, Conn Yankee Council Boy Scouts Of America. The District Award of Merit is the Highest award given to a adult volunteer Scouter in his or her district. It is awarded for outstanding service and dedication to Scouting. Butch has been active in Scouts from when he was a Little boy?? in 1952 as a cub Scout with Pack 3 Milford through his current position as Assistant District Commissioner within the Wepawaug Valley District.
Butch has also received Awards for Cub Leader, Cub Leader Key, Cub Scouter Award, Scout Master Training Award, Scout Master Key, and Mountain Man Troop 26.
 
Congratulations to our distinguished Dinosaur.
 
Ed Beatty has just returned from the Resolute Scout Reservation near Boston with a Chief  Commissioner Certification from the Boy Scouts of America National Camp School. Ed will serve as Senior Camp Commissioner and Alternate Camp Director this Summer at Camp Sequassen in New Hartford Conn. located on West Hill lake. Camp Sequassen is the Main resident Scout camp for the Connecticut Yankee Council Boy Scouts of America. The Camp Serves 39 towns and Cities in New Haven and Fairfield Counties in Conn. The Camp hosts 18 Camp sites per week for 6 weeks and is essentially sold out for the summer with over 2300 Scouts and leaders expected.
 
The James J. Connors Jr. Scholarship  for Local members and the Local 944 Scholarship for members children are available now. Contact Secretary Mike Dunn for further information and applications.
 
Probationary Firefighter Mike Geanacopoulos has volunteered to assist Dave Heenan in the Local's fund raising efforts for Muscular Dystrophy. On July 28 there will be a "Tip a Firefighter" fund raiser at Chili's restaurant on the Post Road in Milford. Please make an effort to have your family and friends have a meal that night at Chili's and support this worthy cause.
 
The Board of Fire Commissioners in conjunction with Chief LaVecchia recently established a special fund for any donations received by the Department not specifically earmarked for equipment. From this fund it was recently requested to purchase a "Ceremonial Bugle" for the playing of Taps at Memorial Services and Funerals. It has been purchased and is in the care of the Sick Benefit Association. Whenever possible when his schedule permits, we will still use Retiree Mike Hudd to continue to play "live" at these solemn affairs. But if he is unable to perform, the SBA now has a back up to pay tribute to our Brothers. Thanks go to The Board of Fire Commissioners, Chief LaVecchia and the Sick Benefit Association for making this honor possible.
 
Special thanks to Mike Ryan and his repair crew on rebuilding the cement mixer. The Station 1 Coffee Fund provided the funds and Mike led the efforts in making the major repairs. Some minor adjustment still need to be made, but it works like new. The only problem is, we are not sure where it is! The last member to borrow it, please let us know. If you need to use it for a project, please enter your name and date on the sign out sheet that is being used for the hand truck in the stockroom at Headquarters.
 
The Local All Charities Golf Tournament was held at the Grassy Hill Country Club on May 17 under beautiful conditions. An estimated $4,000 was raised for the various charities funded by the Local. Super job to Chairman Todd Ricci and all of the members, retirees and family members who helped out that day to ensure the success of our Annual Charity Event.
 
The Local will be again giving away hot dogs and water at one of the Friday Night Concert Series at Fowler Field. The give away date is July 27. Any members who can help out are urged to contact President Coubrough.
 
The Local will be sponsoring a Pension workshop on July 11 at Station 7 at 3:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M.. This is to assist the members in planning for their retirement. Remember its NEVER TOO EARLY to start planning. Members are encouraged to bring your wife, partner, special other or whomever you wish. There will be an opportunity for all to ask questions and obtain estimates. Retirees are welcome to attend to share any successes or mistakes they may have made with the current Brothers. Mark your calendars now.
 
Photos:
 
The Best Apparatus Milford ever had!
 
Tower 1 with Schooner Wharf in the background
The "Albatross"
 
                                   
The Dinosaurs in Bridgeport on Mutual Aid
 
Sports:
 
The Local 944 Flag Football team completed their first season in the newly form Recreation League. They finished the season with only one win but believe it or not, no one got hurt playing! Makes you wonder how Gil "Doug Flutie" Hoyt could see over the line. Thanks to "Pads" Luciano for organizing the team on short notice. Next year improvements will be made as a number of Rookies look like "Players".
 
The Softball Team has begun the Summer campaign and are doing well so far. The team is led by Doug "Rocket" Edo. Come out and support them for a fun night out. The Police Dept. didn't enter a team this year so some of the friendly competition has been removed.
 
The Softball team is actually practicing for their annual game against the Milford Yankees who each year crush them into submission. Their game will be played later in the summer and will be advertised in future Flashover's.
 
The Myrtle Beach Golf Extravaganza went off without a hitch. Those that wish to sign up for this world class golf event contact Bill Richards to reserve a spot. It will be held March 23-28, 2008.
 
I thought I would never say this but the Yankees need Bernie Williams BAD! That shows the sad state of affairs in the Bronx if they NEED Bernie Williams. It is so nice sitting back and watching Yankees fans wallow in their excuses why they can't even look up and see .500. Its unfortunate that we split the season series with them, but we did beat "The Rocket" on his turf. It too bad we wont see you again in a Subway series. Maybe next year when Joe Girardi is managing the team.
 
The Mets, in where else but first place! We had a rocky June but still maintain our lead in the very tough National League East. The Division should be a formality by the time Pedro returns in August. I'm enjoying this season so much as I watch the Yanks stumble around and my Mets are on cruise control with a makeshift pitching staff.
 
The Red Sox have just about sewn up the American East. Instead of a Subway Series, its going to be an Amtrak Series. Then we can invoke the "Buckner Curse" and finish off the year.
 
The Local, Police and Fire Retirees Association and Dinosaurs have taken the Summer off for meetings. All meetings will resume in September.
 
Anyone having information for future Feederline's please forward it to me at MFD1610@aol.com or Station 1 D Platoon. I will send out Flashover's as important news becomes known. I hope everyone enjoys their Summers and as always,
 
BE SAFE!
 
Bill

-
MILFORD FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 944
55 Wheelers Farm Rd
Milford, CT 06461
 

Top of Page image
Powered By UnionActive - Copyright © 2024. All Rights Reserved.