Gilford Fire-Rescue to Commemorate 9-11 with Flag Pole Ceremony

Gilford Fire-Rescue Department invites all emergency responders (Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement), and civilians alike to join its members as we remember all the victims of the tragedy on 9/11. A brief ceremony will be held at the flag pole in front of the fire station located at 39 Cherry Valley Road. All participants are asked to assemble at the firehouse by 9:45am on Thursday September 11, 2008. The ceremony will proceed as follows:

9:45 am…..Participants assembled at Gilford Fire Department

9:55 am…..5-5-5-5 Bell Explanation

9:58 am…..Participants assembled at flag pole

9:59 am…..Time of South Tower Collapse; Station Bells Ring 5-5-5-5

10:00 am…One Minute of Silence

10:01 am…Reading of 343 FDNY Firefighters lost 9/11

10:11 am…Fire Department Chaplin Invocation/Firefighters Prayer

10:15 am…Attendees invited to reflect on all of the lives lost on September 11

10:25 am…Closing comments Gilford Fire Department

Attendees are welcome to participate in the reading of the names as well as to add any names of friends or family lost on September 11.Concluding the ceremony participants are invited for coffee, refreshments and firehouse tours. To participate or if you have any questions please contact Deputy Fire Chief John Beland at 527-4760.

Gilford Fire took delivery of the long awaited Engine 1 from KME Fire Apparatus in Nesquehoning, PA (http://fire.kovatch.com/).  The new water supply engine designated 8Engine1, replaces the retired 1979 Maxim that had a 1250 gpm pump and 1000 gallon tank.  Gilford relies heavily on rural water supply, so the apparatus was designed to most effectively and efficiently fill the important water supply role.  The International 7600 powers a 2000 gpm pump with 500 gallon water tank.  The low profile hose bed carries 3,000' of 5" large diameter hose.  The engine carries over 60' of light weight 6" diameter hard suction hose, including a 6' stored across the front bumper, preconnected to the front suction intake.  There also is two 200' preconnected 1 3/4" crosslays, and 400' dead laid 2 1/2" over the pump.  It comes equipped with a 700 GPM high volume portable pump, ice auger, various strainers, adapers, 3 SCBAs w/ spare cylinders, fire extinguishers, 24' extension ladder, 14' roof ladder, pike poles, forcible entry equipment, deck gun, and scene lighting.  The driver/operator training on the new engine is almost complete.  Gilford Fire will have the new engine in service sometime mid May.  Check out the photos in the photo gallery taken at the pre-delivery inspection trip.  Other photos will be posted soon.    

On Thursday, June 12, 2008 we were very proud to partcipate in the 2008 Gilford High School Awards Night.  The Gilford Professional Firefighters Local 3517 Scholarship In Memory of Nicholas Palisi was presented to three exceptional candidates this year:  Ms. Kelsie Piecuch, Ms. Chelsea Murphy, and Ms. Athena Adair.  The Gilford Firefighters have chosen to honor Nick Palisi every year, because of his strength and courage that he showed during his battle with cancer.  Also, Nick had a great love for the fire department and what we do.  The Nicholas Palisi Lakes Region Scholarship is funded in part by our annual Golf Tournament held at Pheasant Ridge Country Club in mid-September.  We wish Kelsie, Chelsea, Athena and the Gilford High School Class of 2008 best of luck in your future endeavors!  Congratulations!