ATHOL – Blue skies and warm temperatures greeted those who attended the annual firefighters memorial held on Sunday morning at the Athol Fire Station.

The event is held each year to remember those firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty or died from injuries or illnesses contracted during their service.

Town Manager Shaun Suhoski spoke of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, which took the lives of 343 New York City firefighters, and the Worcester Cold Storage fire of Dec. 3, 1999, which claimed six Worcester firefighters, to underscore the sacrifices made by firefighters in Athol and across the country.

Speaking directly to the firefighters on hand, Suhoski said, “I’m just thankful that we have people like you who go into those structures, and you don’t know what’s going to happen. We don’t know; this beautiful day could be shattered by a call that could prove tragic.”

Fire Chief Joseph Guarnera told the crowd that it has been a good year for the community. He said the department had managed to secure a grant of nearly $300,000 to replace a 55-year-old brush truck, as well as monies for equipment for the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) team.

Guarnera added that firefighters in the department had been trained in hazmat operations, while others are training at the National Firefighters Academy in locations throughout the country and the Massachusetts Firefighters Academy.

Several speakers at the event took the opportunity to urge attendees to get out and support an $895,000 Proposition 2 ½ override which goes before voters in a special election on July 31.

“I am so proud to be from Athol,” Selectboard member Rebecca Bialecki began, as she asked the crowd to give a round of applause to the firefighters present. “For most of their adult lives, they have all been supporting us; they show up when we call…All of that support they’ve given to all of us is really important, and now it’s our time to support of them.”

If passed, next Monday’s vote would provide the funds needed to hire eight new firefighters. Addressing the increase in property tax bills that will accompany passage of the override, Bialecki – who added she doesn’t want to pay more in taxes than anyone else – said the money is an investment in the town’s future.

In their remarks to the audience, state Rep. Susannah Whipps and Petersham Police Chief Peter Buck also spoke in favor of the override.

Recognitions handed out included that of Firefighter of the Year. To receive this award, Guarnera said a firefighter must demonstrate dedication, loyalty, productivity and professionalism. The recipient is chosen by a vote of the department. This year’s Firefighter of the Year—by nearly unanimous decision— is Firefighter Travis Brailey.

Athol resident Emily Martin was awarded a Special Recognition Certificate for her quick response to a house fire, during which she assisted the occupant to flee the building. Raphael Lopez, 15, received the Young Hero Award from the state Department of Fire Services for quickly reporting a fire and evacuating people from a burning building.

Police Detective Corey Chauvette was given a Medal of Bravery for entering a building where there was an active fire and extinguishing the flames. Career Service Awards were presented to Firefighter Bruce Dubrule for 25 years of service and to Firefighters Derek Perry and William Publicover for five years.

Accommodation pins were given to Perry, Bailey, and Capt. John Seamon and Lt. William Clayton, both of the Phillipston Fire Department, all of whom assisted in the delivery of a baby girl, and to Publicover and Travis who also helped deliver a baby girl.

Family Pet Veterinary Services was given a Special Recognition Certificate for assisting in the department’s Nero training, which gave firefighter/EMTs instruction in the transport of wounded or injured public safety service animals, such as police K9s.

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.

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