John Harris Sr. - 50 Years of Service
April 10, 2004 - John Harris Sr. is formally recognized for achieving over 50 years of service with the Howlett Hill Fire Department. On this day surrounded by family, friends, firematic dignitaries and local government leaders, the Howlett Hill Fire Dept. family celebrated Past Chief Harris' accomplishment with a ceremony in his honor. John Harris joined the HHFD on February 11, 1953 and rose through the firematic ranks eventually becoming Chief.
Long-time HHFD Life Members attended the celebration and reminisced with the honoree. His family including great-grandchildren participated in the celebration.
As proclaimed by the Town Supervisor, April 10, 2004 is "John Harris Sr. Day" in the Town of Onondaga. U.S. Congressman James Walsh forwarded a letter honoring the tremendous commitment to the community on John Harris' part.
Ken Newton, Past President of FASNY presented a plaque and read a proclamation from the organization. Being presented the awards from Ken was particularly poignant as Ken is a Life Member of HHFD.
The NY State Fire Chief's Association represented by Ken Pienkowski presented a plaque honoring John Harris' accomplishment of 50 years of service. Ken is Past President of the Chief's Association, and Past Chief of Taunton Fire Dept.
The ceremony was capped by the unveiling of two decals to ride on HHFD Engine 1. These replacement decals identify the Engine within HHFD Harris Hose Company named in honor and recognition of 50 years of dedicated service the the Howlett Hill community by John Harris Sr.
Past Chief and honoree, John Harris Sr. models the 1948 Cairns HHFD Chief's helmet
he received as a gift in celebration of 50 Years of Service to HHFD and our Community.
Ken Newton brings congratulations from FASNY as does Ken Pienkowski from the State Chiefs
The HHFD membership donned our Dress uniforms to honor John Harris Sr.
Almost 100 years of service collectively!
(l to r) Chief Jim Harris, Past Chief John Harris Sr. and Assnt. Chief John Harris Jr.
Future members ?...Grandson.......and Great-Grandson............
Town Supervisor, Thomas Andino, Jr. prepares to Town Councilor and long time member of the
read the proclamation stating April 10, 2004 as Nedrow Fire Department, Charlie Petrie,
"John Harris Sr. Day" in the Town of Onondaga. reads the plaque honoring John Harris.
2nd Assnt. Chief Paul Doner, reads a letter Master of Ceremonies, and HHFD Past Chief,
from U.S. Congressman James Walsh Dick Farrell, wishing well the honoree.
honoring John Harris' anniversary with HHFD.
Ever the gentleman, John Harris Sr. recognized the sacrifices his family
has endured over the past 50+ years of duty in the Fire Service.