Each year the Central Bucks County Chamber of Commerce and the Burpee Family sponsor an awards Dinner to honor a member from each of the Fire Companies and Ambulance Squads in the Central Bucks County area. Each honoree is chosen by his or her company or squad as "Firefighter of the Year" for their accomplishments and outstanding service to the community. Over 400 people attended the 2003 dinner.
For the past four years the Chamber has invited us to attend the dinner and post the colors. In addition to this, we honor all fallen firefighters from across the country with a bell ringing ceremony striking the signal 5-5-5-5. Last year we began to post the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Flag along side with the American, State and County flags.
We are proud to be a part of this ceremony that honors the accomplishments, commitment to the community and the sacrifices of our brothers and sisters and their families. We wish to thank the members of the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums for participating with us each year. They not only provided "mood" music for those entering the dinner, but treated all of the honorees and guests to an outstanding chorus of "Amazing Grace" inside. Their participation adds so much to the ceremony and helps to continue the great traditions of the Fire Service.
Members of the Phildelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums provide a little "mood music for everyone entering the dinner. Pictured left to right: John Longerean, Chip Riordan, Tim Bennett and George Bailey on drums.
