November 12, 2012
The Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department paid tribute to its retiring chief, a long-time assistant and several other volunteers at its annual recognition dinner.
The Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department paid tribute to its retiring chief, a long-time assistant and several other volunteers at its annual recognition dinner.
Chief Bill Beazley, who will step down in January after more than 22 years in the job, was surrounded by most of the department's responding members and his family as he was presented with an award for extraordinary service.
Deputy Chief Ed Blain also presented Beazley with an engraved plaque “in grateful recognition of staying at the helm and keeping the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department on course for the last 22 years.”Beazley was then given a retirement gift by the responding members and others he has worked with during his long tenure as chief.
“I have a fond spot in my heart for every single one of you,” said Beazley, who plans to continue as a responding volunteer after he steps down as chief. “This has been one of the coolest things I've done in my life.”
In addition to Beazley, the department also paid special tribute to Assistant Chief Wes Haynes for his many years of service, which has included overseeing the organization's annual fund-raising auction, the biggest community event of the year.
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| From left, Wes Haynes, Andy Paulhus,Ed Blain and Chief Bill Beazley at the OBIFD recognition dinner. |
Beazley also presented a special recognition award to his wife, Kitsie, for not only supporting his role as chief but for her many years as organizer of the giant yard sale which accompanies the auction each year.
A recognition award was also given to Andy Paulhus, outgoing president of the OBIFD Board of Directors, for seven years of service, the past three as leader of the board.
Others honored at the annual recognition dinner were responding firefighter Jim Whittaker, who marked one year of service; David Chipman, who marked five years of service as a member of the Board of Directors; and Jim Bloxsom, a board member for one year.
The awards were presented Nov. 3 at the old Orr's Island Schoolhouse adjacent to the Orr's Island fire station. Dozens of people, including many of the department's active and retired members, attended the event, which included dinner and dancing, held annually to recognize the service of volunteers and community residents.
The all-volunteer department provides fire and medical rescue services for Orr's and Bailey Islands and portions of Great Island east of the Mountain Road bridge and south of the Nazarene Church on Route 24.
For more information about OBIFD or volunteering, visit the department's web site at www.obifd.org.