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For immediate release

Rochester Fire Department
Mark Klose, Chief
37 Wakefield Street
Rochester, NH 03867

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 603-471-3154
Email: [email protected]

Rochester Fire Department Recognizes Firefighters for Years of Service

Ron Lachapelle, a 55-year veteran of the Rochester Fire Department, was among those recognized at the department’s holiday potluck last week. (Courtesy Photo)

ROCHESTER — Chief Mark Klose is pleased to announce that the Rochester Fire Department has launched a new effort to recognize its members for their longevity with the department. 

The first set of honors was delivered on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the department’s holiday potluck dinner, with firefighters and officers earning longevity pins for their Class A uniforms, as well as certificates or plaques depending on how long they’ve worked in Rochester. 

“This is something that we’re instituting because it promotes professionalism and serves as a reward for the sacrifices our firefighters make on behalf of the people of Rochester,” Chief Klose said. “The firefighters expressed an appreciation for the recognition, and I think it’s important to create opportunities to honor them for the courage, commitment and character that they show each and every day.” 

From now on, firefighters will earn a new level of recognition at 10 year milestones. Firefighters will earn a pin with a silver star for every 10 years they’ve served, while officers will earn a pin bearing one gold star for every 10 years of service to Rochester. 

10 Year Honorees

  • Captain Eric Lenzi
  • Lt. Mike George
  • Steve Plante
  • Lt. Nick Marique
  • Beth Blake
  • Jason Laferte
  • Bruce Snyder
  • Micah Ruel
  • Darryl Jeffers

20 Year Honorees

  • Assistant Chief Mark Dupuis
  • Captain Mark Avery
  • Ken Chick
  • Missy Ayers
  • Brian Snyder
  • Jeff Comeau
  • Jim Jacques
  • Pat Couch

30 Year Honorees

  • Captain Joe Burns
  • Ron Giles

40 Year Honorees

  • Ron Lachapelle (55 years of service)

In addition to their service pins, Snyder, Couch, Jacques, Comeau, Burns and Lachappelle were recognized with plaques commemorating their years of dedication to the department.

Rochester City Clerk Kelly Walters also attended last week’s potluck, where she oversaw the swearing-in of Firefighters Joe Riley and Kevin Banks, who recently returned from military deployments overseas, as well as newly-hired Firefighters Seth Wentworth, Josh Biron, Matt Woodbury, Duane Marsh and Curt Fitton.

New Rochester firefighters, as well as those returning from deployment, were sworn in at a ceremony last week. (Courtesy Photo)

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