On Saturday morning, the York Fire Department gathered with family, friends and area dignitaries to dedicate the new addition at the York Village Fire Station.
The ceremony was kicked off with a warm “thank you” by the Ruben family of York Harbor. Recently, the Mr. Ruban suffered a Cardiac Arrest at his home and was able to tell his story to the audience. He shook the members hands who helped save his life and they presented the York Fire Department a wonderful gift.
Chief Balentine had a plan to dedicate the building to the Past, Present and Future Members of the York Village Fire Department, but all along, since August of 2012, the membership had a different plan. Chief Balentine was surprised with a plaque, declaring the new addition as “The Chief Christopher Balentine Addition”.
With over 40 years of service, dedication and accomplishments, this was well deserved. Chief Balentine became chief in 1985, and as Corporation President Armand Gregoire stated in his speech shortly before the plaque was revealed, since 1985 the Chief has
accomplished many things. Chief Balentine hired the 3rd career firefighter we have today, purchased a multitude of new firefighting apparatus to the fleet, created many new programs such as Haz-Mat Decon, Water Rescue and eventually completed the new addition to the fire station. That is just a small hand full out of a long list of other accomplishments the Fire Officers had compiled on a two page list.
Following the Plaque presentation, a few tunes were played on the bagpipes, a few more speakers spoke some fine words and the box 3-3-3 was sounded, recalling all members of the York Village Fire Department to report to the new addition.
Mr. and Mrs. Rubin giving their “Thank You” speech. Mr. Rubin was a recent cardiac arrest save.
