On Saturday, April 14 the members of each of Andover’s Emergency Departments gathered at Alan’s Restaurant in Boscawen. Andover Fire, Police, EMS and Auxiliary along with husbands, wives and significant others were in attendance. The evening was planned by the Emergency Services Auxiliary, starting with a slide show of the team members fighting fire, controlling traffic and mostly just having fun. We all realize that though our work is very serious and life preservation is job one, being able to find a lighter side to our calling is how we manage. Next, the meal was served by Alan’s. The menu included roast beef, chicken and many other delicious goodies. There was enough food to feed an entire army or as it turns out one Andover fire department. Let’s hope we never need to feed that team for very long…wow. The desert was, thanks to the auxiliary and my wife, strawberry shortcake, my favorite.

Each fire and EMS member received a name pin for their dress uniform. The year each member joined a fire department or EMS team is proudly displayed on the name pin. Glenn Haley and I were honored for our years of service. Glenn was recognized for 41 years of service and I for 45 years. Glenn was also surprised by his parents attending and I was shocked by my daughters coming from Maine.
We are very fortunate to have a super police department. This evening was a family event and Police, Fire and EMS are all Andover’s Emergency Services family.   
The Andover Emergency Services Auxiliary planned this evening for many months. Their hard work and attention to detail made for a very special evening. Please accept my heartfelt thanks from the team.   
For Glenn and I the time we spent in service to our community is tough to explain, hopefully we have made a small difference, perhaps even made someone’s life a little better. For me 45 years is just a measure of the wonderful time spent doing what I love with people who I am proud to be with. The day will come when these bones will no longer be able to respond to alarm bells and I will very much miss our calling. As for Glenn and I there, is some gray on the roof and some creak in the joints, but the good Lord willing, we’ll be making life rough for the rookies for a little while yet!