Three Rivers Fire Chief Patrick J. O’Connor, who is retiring at the end of the year after 41 years with the department, said “there have been some great chiefs before me” and praised his firefighters.
PALMER – The Three Rivers Fire Department celebrated its 100th anniversary at Pulaski Park on Saturday with a chicken barbecue and music.
State Sen. Stephen M. Brewer, D-Barre; state Rep. Todd M. Smola, R-Palmer; and District 4 Town Councilor Donald Blais Jr. all delivered citations to the department, in recognition of the milestone. Palmer Fire Chief Alan J. Roy also presented a plaque.
Brewer praised the courage of firefighters, who risk their lives by entering burning buildings to save lives. He told the young firefighters to learn from the older members.
“Thank you for carrying on the spirit of this fire department,” Brewer said.
He closed with God bless and “stolat,” which means “100 years” and is from a traditional Polish song, an appropriate sentiment as Pulaski Park is known as the “polka capital of New England.”
Smola has lived his whole life in Three Rivers.
“It’s great to see so many people here in Three Rivers, the capital of the town of Palmer,” Smola said.
Blais, who represents the village on the Town Council, praised the fire department, which is primarily volunteer.
“We have such a dedicated fire department that risks their lives every day on our behalf,” Blais said.
Three Rivers Fire Chief Patrick J. O’Connor, who is retiring at the end of the year after 41 years with the department, said “there have been some great chiefs before me” and praised his firefighters.
“I look good because of the guys under me,” O’Connor said.
O’Connor is the department’s ninth chief. It has 32 call firefighters.
Approximately 200 people turned out for the event.
Michael Courchesne, who moved to Florida last year, came back specifically for the anniversary celebration. Courchesne was on the department for 10 years, and was the department driver.
“I wouldn’t have missed it. It’s all about the department. It’s the best department I’ve ever been associated with,” Courchesne said.
There are three fire departments in Palmer: Palmer, Three Rivers and Bondsville.