The Christmas party was held on December 14 th , and to change the format we held a brunch. All that attended had a great time, and it was a nice change from our past Christmas dinners. On the 20th , we held our annual Children's Christmas party and it was one of the best we've had in many a year. The magician was terrific, kids enjoyed the pizza, and then Santa arrived on Engine 246 to pass out gifts to them all with an assist from Chief John. This year it seemed to be monopolized by seven grandkids of this writer.
Well, now that the holidays are over and the festivities behind us, the Company starts a new year under the leadership of Captain John (JT) Madden. At our January Company meeting JT spelled out some of his objectives for the coming year. His top priority seems to be training, training, training, which when you're in our business is OK by this “old fire horse”. In my 25 years as a Deputy Chief Instructor at the County's Fire Academy , I've always preached two things.
1. Train like your life depends on it, because it most probably does.
2. Practice doesn't make perfect. Practice only makes permanent. PERFECT PRACTICE makes Perfect.
This meeting also brought John Traverso back to our ranks after four years in the Chief's line where he did a terrific job. Now I'm going to have to be quicker to beat him to the driver's seat of Engine 246, but I guess I can always grab 2462 for the run. On John's first night out, he made the front seat. Also, at our meeting was Ex-Captain Tom Murray who was up from Florida for the holidays visiting with his daughter and grandson. Ex-Chief Bob (Rube) Pfirmann sent his regards to all via e-mail. Rube always stays in touch and was recently placed on the 100 th anniversary committee to share his knowledge of our Company's history.
Lastly, two of our members who recently moved out of the fire district were put on the Company rolls as Non-Active members, Dennis White and Steven Paul. Hopefully they will move back into town some day and return to active status.
That's all for this month. Stay Well and Stay Safe.
Sincerely,
Ex-Chief Bob Jacoby
OFDChief77@aol.com
Oceanside Hose Company no. 1
49 Evergreen Ave.
Oceanside , NY 11572
(516) 766-9708
