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Extraordinary Performances by Citizen Volunteers

The Chester Democratic Town Committee wants to bring to the attention of Chester residents and taxpayers the extraordinary efforts of the Chester Hose Company during storms Irene and Sandy, and to salute the efforts of the Chester Hose Company and its leadership.

Chester Emergency Director Joel Severence recently submitted a report to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding town response to the storms, and it provides detailed testimony as to how much our town depends on our fire department.

Under the guidance of Chief Charles Greeney, Jr., and Assistant Chief James Grzybowski, the women and men of the Chester Hose Company contributed more than 1,800 hours to relief efforts related to the storms. These extraordinary performances by citizen volunteers are even more impressive when efforts for recent winter snowstorms are added in. Were labor costs in accordance with FEMA guidelines required of Chester, it would amount to $30,000.

This is but another chapter in a long history of the Chester Hose Company's continuing dedication to the town. Each of the 60-plus Hose Company members are dedicated to the town's safety and contribute hundreds of hours in that pursuit.

Chester needs to acknowledge this extraordinary work and that of the town Public Works crew, headed by John Divis, and the efforts of Severence and the Board of Selectmen during the storms.

The Democratic Town Committee salutes these volunteer and paid public servants.

Peter ZanardiChester

Peter Zanardi chairs the Chester Democratic Town Committee.