On May 21 West Mead #1 hosted their annual officer installation banquet, holding this year’s event at West Mead #2’s social hall for greater capacity. The invitation list included representatives from mutual aid departments, family of fire department members, and regional and state government dignitaries, as well as some special guests.
West Mead Township Supervisor Bill Rosenberger installed West Mead #1 officers: President Don Bovard, Treasurer Barry Porter, Recording Secretary Ryan Zook, Three-Year Trustee Sam Sheasley, Fire Chief Brad Johnston, and Assistant Fire Chief Craig Lauer. Vice President Chris Jordan was absent and will be installed at a later date.
The fire company awarded the David F Charlton Memorial Firefighter of the Year to Joe Geiser, presented by David Charlton’s widow Heather Charlton. In the past year Joe has completed an aggressive training regimen of fire essentials, emergency medical technician (EMT), dive certification with Crawford County Scuba Team, as well as beginning the swiftwater rescue course.
The fire company recognized the following people for their years of service to West Mead #1: Chris Rayburn (5), Jeremy Sheets (represented by his father Rich Sheets) and Paul Taormina (10), Amber Johnston (15), Alan Porter (45), and Ron Williams (50).
The fire company acknowledged those who have responded to the most calls for the year, with Rescue Chief Jayme Corey and his son junior firefighter Kyle Corey taking the top honors. Lieutenant Mike Prystaloski and Firefighters Ryan Zook, Paul Taormina, and Matt Jastromb were also among the frequent responders. Although they did not compete for public recognition, Fire Chief Brad Johnston and Assistant Fire Chief Craig Lauer also belong among those responding to the most calls.
The fire company honored two long-time members: Charlie Blair, for his 25 years as fire police captain; and Ron Williams, for his 50 years of active duty service. During those years Ron served in multiple roles in the department, including assistant fire chief, treasurer, trustee, and chair of various fund-raising committees. Ron continues to run calls as one of the department’s best–arguably THE best–pump operators. Ron also trained several generations of pump operators, developing in them the skills and pride of the fire service. Ron’s family and some long-time friends were invited to the banquet to honor and celebrate with him.
Government officials from state and local government presented commendations for Ron’s years of service, including retired Meadville Central firefighter Don Shea, on behalf of PA Congressman Mike Kelly; Guy Brooks, husband of State Senator Michele Brooks; State Representative Brad Roae; and West Mead Township Supervisor Bill Rosenberger. The current and former fire chiefs of West Mead #1 also presented Ron Williams with a glass memorial etched with images of the engines Ron pumped during his years of service.
West Mead #1 thanks our mutual aid departments for their support, DJ Loby Lobins for providing music for the evening, the Downtown Mall Bistro for catering, and West Mead #2 for offering the use of their social hall and serving drinks at the banquet.
Ron is an outstanding firefighter and friend. Congratulations to him and his family. I wish I would have been there.
Alan Porter read your note at the banquet. Thanks for sharing your reflections on the years working with Ron.