By Ex-Chief Bob Pulick

In a long standing tradition Chief Bennett performed his last official act and led a procession of trucks and firefighters to Chief Elect Drews' house on New Year’s morning.  As has been done for over twenty years the new chief was presented with his badges of office and toasted with champagne.  Afterward, as has also been the tradition, the chief’s family hosted a breakfast reception for the department.

Continuing with the honors for a new chief the Board of Fire Commissioners held the state mandated Organizational Meeting on January 4th.  At that meeting they formally accepted the department’s nomination of all three chiefs and swore them into office, making the transition official.  After all required business was conducted a reception was held, in their honor, with family members and many of our ex-chiefs attending.

On a personal note, it was an honor and a pleasure to administer the oath of office to a fellow chief and to someone I saw grow up, go through school, get married and have his own family.  Congratulations Chief!