San Jose Fire Department 2011 Badge and Recognition Ceremony

On the evening of May 20, 2011, the San Jose Fire Department held a Promotional Badge Pinning and Recognition Ceremony held at the "Roosevelt Community Center" on Santa Clara Street. There were over 400 family and friends in attendance with 86 employees promoted and five to be recognized. Fire Chief William McDonald was there to present all the employees with their new badges as friends and family members proudly pinned them on. Those being badged included Deputy Chiefs, Battalion Chiefs, Captains, Senior Dispatchers, Arson Investigator, Fire Inspectors, Hazmat Inspectors and Fire Engineers. This was the largest badge ceremony in the history of San Jose Fire Department to date. The last ceremony being almost two years ago.

The Ceremony began with Bag Pipes played by retired Captain Joe Roberts, Honor Guard led by FE Jeff Una'Dia and followed by CA Tony Magallon and CA Mary Gutierrez. The National Anthem was sung by FE Mario Cuestas. Emcee CA Scott Kouns announced the honorees one by one up to the stage to receive their new badge while family and friends clapped and cheered. There were several promoted personnel who could not attend because they were on duty or other reasons. The benediction was honorably presented by Chaplin Gary Kalas. The last person recognized and badged was Fire Chief William McDonald. His wife and children flew in from Arizona that day to have the Chiefs youngest son pin his badge, something he had never done. Chief McDonald is a very humble man and not wanting to take the spot light away from those being honored, this came as a complete surprise.
All the guests were treated to the much anticipated promotional cake made by Peter's bakery with special attention to detail from Margaret Aguiar. The ceremony lasted just under 2 hours.

To see more images of the event please follow the link below: http://emergencyphoto.zenfolio.com/ceremony

Special thanks to FF Shawn Newcombe and Scott Boucher for their tireless organization and equipment procurement, San Jose Fire Department Explorers Post 888 for all of their hard work with set up and clean up, FF Jeff Fielding and Craig Allyn Rose for photography, Kathleen Siegel for videography, Cathy Noonan for programs and behind the scenes support, John McMillan, San Jose Fire Museum 1931 Mack presentation, San Jose Fire Department Intern, Mat Hampel, Truck 1 "B" shift for the raising of the American Flag. And, the Roosevelt Community Center staff for all their gracious hospitality.

Captain Scott Kouns, PIO

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