55-year city firefighter honored for lifetime of service

ROCHESTER - Chief Mark Klose announce recently that the Rochester Fire Department has launched a new effort to recognize its members for longevity with the department.

The first set of honors was delivered on Dec. 13, at the department's holiday potluck dinner, with firefighters and officers earning longevity pins for their Class A uniforms, as well as certificates or plaques depending on how long they've worked in Rochester.

"This is something that we're instituting because it promotes professionalism and serves as a reward for the sacrifices our firefighters make on behalf of the people of Rochester," Klose said. "The firefighters expressed an appreciation for the recognition, and I think it's important to create opportunities to honor them for the courage, commitment and character that they show each and every day."

From now on, firefighters will earn a new level of recognition at 10 year milestones. Firefighters will earn a pin with a silver star for every 10 years they've served, while officers will earn a pin bearing one gold star for every 10 years of service to Rochester.

In addition to their service pins, Snyder, Couch, Jacques, Comeau, Burns and Lachappelle were recognized with plaques commemorating their years of dedication to the department.

Rochester City Clerk Kelly Walters also attended last week's potluck, where she oversaw the swearing-in of Firefighters Joe Riley and Kevin Banks, who recently returned from military deployments overseas, as well as newly-hired Firefighters Seth Wentworth, Josh Biron, Matt Woodbury, Duane Marsh and Curt Fitton.