Today, in front of nearly 90 members and guests, the Washington Engine Company No. 2 held their annual Memorial Day Service at our firehouse. The event, as it has been for many years, was emceed by Company President Joe Streany. This years event was dedicated in memory of two of our past Captains - Louis Giglio and Elwood "Skip" Munson - whom passed away since last Memorial Day. Also remembered was Associate Member Elwood "Woody" Munson, who suddenly died a few weeks ago.

At their May 23rd Company Meeting, the Washington Engine Company elected to appoint Richard Pusatere as an Honorary Member, posthumously. Pusatere was the Chief Engineer of the El Faro cargo ship which sank with all 33 crew members aboard on October 1, 2015 in the wake of Hurricane Joaquin. Today, he was honored with a plaque that will hang in the Washington Engine Firehouse, and the memorial wreath placed at the Company's Memorial Tree was done in his memory. His father, Engineer Frank Pusatere, took care in putting the wreath in it's place.

As is done each year, we take the time to remember all of those that have served our nation, as well as all of our members that are no longer with us. The list of our fallen members was read by Past Chiefs Stephen Dominello, John Munson and Art Roosa Jr. The tolling of the bell, to the Company's Alarm Code 3-2, was done by Second Lieutenant Matt Stewart.

Prayers remembering our fallen members and those that died serving in America's Armed Forces were read by Lay Chaplains Judy Anderson and John Coyne, as well as Assistant Chief Chris Pesavento and former member Maureen Munson. Following the somber memorials, the Company recognized it's members for their dedication, including the number of years of service milestones and those whom answered the most alarms in 2015.

Special recognition was made to Robert Anderson Jr., whom has joined the "50 Year Member Club." Other members of this club present today were our two senior-most men - Donald "Tex" Fagan and John Giglio. Both of these men are now in their 72nd Year of Service here at WECO.

Other milestone anniversaries recognized today included Ex-Chief Art Roosa Jr (30 Years), 1st Assistant Chief Chris Colombo & Ex-Chief/Current Captain John Munson (20 Years) and 2nd Lt. Matt Stewart for 5 Years of service at The Northside.

A "Captain's Award" was presented to Firefighter Chris Rinaldi for his service in 2015. This award began last year to recognize a member of the Company that goes "above & beyond" the minimum requirements. Looking on proudly was Chris' father, 1st Lieutenant Dave Rinaldi.

A couple of unexpected guests came to the service today as well to thank the Company and Department for stopping a fire at their home last Summer. The family had a fire on the exterior of their home on Emerson Avenue last May. The members of Engine 119 were the first to arrive and - working in concert with members from the other CFD companies - kept the blaze from getting into the house. They were very grateful for the rapid response of the CFD.

The Officers & Members of WECO would like to thank everyone that came to our humble service today, and we ask that everyone remembers all of those no longer with us, and keeps all of those currently serving in the Armed Forces - especially our own Kyle & Matt Mallory (USMC) - in their thoughts & prayers. May they - and all of our uniformed heroes - come home safely.

(All Photos by T. Kaplan)