ATHOL – August 25 has been set aside as the date for what is being billed as the town’s First Annual Firefighters Memorial Sunday. The event, which will take place from 9:30 to 11 a.m., is being planned to honor Athol firefighters, both past and present.
“Nobody remembers this ever being done in Athol,” said Fire Chief Joseph Guarnera, Thursday. “What they’ve done in the past, nobody knew. As far as the newer members here were aware, they’ve never done it.”
“The fire departments I’ve been associated with,” he said, “and just about every fire department I know of, does this. It’s a great way to get family and friends together. It’s a great way to honor fallen firefighters for what they’ve done for the community. And it’s also a great way to award present members for doing their duty, as well as recognizing members of the community also. It’s a way to open our doors and invite people into our family who have never had the opportunity to do so before. We’ll do it all in one day.”
Chief Guarnera said his list of honorees should be completed within the next couple of weeks but, until then, he would like to keep names confidential.
He said Athol Selectboard Chair Rebecca Bialecki and Town Manager Shaun Suhoski have agreed to make some remarks. He has also invited state Sen. Anne Gobi and State Rep. Susannah Whipps to participate. The blessing of the apparatus will be performed by department Chaplain Dan Parsons.
Guarnera said this event will also serve to remind the community about the risks firefighters face every time they respond to an emergency.
“It also reminds folks about the difficulties firefighters face as they head into the future,” he said. “There are a lot of problems the follow us into our retirement.”
He cited the increased incidence of cancer among firefighters and the psychological difficulties many face as a result of their service. As is the case with combat veterans, many firefighters suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
“When I say this will honor past firefighters,” Guarnera continued, “it doesn’t mean they had to die in the line of duty. We’ve had two former members pass in the last year, for example. We’ll honor them, as well as everybody else who has passed. Once you’re a part of the family, this is what we do. We don’t forget.”
In addition to individual honors and the blessing of the apparatus, the event will include the lowering of the flag to half-staff, the playing of Taps, a wreath-laying at the Firefighter Memorial at the Fire Station, and selections will also be provided by a bag-piper.
Light refreshments will be provided following the ceremony and a tour of the fire station will be offered. There will also be a special demonstration of the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Smoke and Sprinkler House, which will be open to the public until 3 p.m.