Pinning ceremony honors firefighters, fire service traditions

Surrounded by hundreds of family members, friends, and local leaders, the 70 members of the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District received their official service badges during a March 6 pinning ceremony that embraced the fire service's rich traditions.

The ceremony, held at Station #1 in Lake Barrington, emphasized the BCFPD's commitment to recognizing the dedication and professionalism of each firefighter, and underscored their commitment to serving district residents.

"We have worked to develop a culture that honors the importance of each individual firefighter, but, together, we will do far more than any of us could do alone," BCFPD Fire Chief Jeff Swanson said. "Everyone here makes up the 'we.' We deliver excellence in service to all who live in, work in, and visit the District."

BCFPD President Tom Rowan joined Swanson in presenting each firefighter with their individual badge, which was then pinned to their uniform by family members. The newly pinned firefighters then took the oath of service.

"Every firefighter performs an act of bravery once in his career. That is when he takes the oath of service," Swanson added, quoting the New York City Fire Department's Deputy Chief of Rescue Operations, Raymond Downey, who was lost on 9/11. "After that, everything is in the line of duty."

Swanson also thanked the neighboring Fox River Grove Fire Protection District, Hoffman Estates Fire Department, Lake Zurich Rural Fire Protection District and Wauconda Fire District for providing emergency response coverage to the BCFPD during the 45-minute ceremony, so that its on-duty personnel could attend.

Established in 1940, the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District serves portions of Barrington Hills, South Barrington, Lake Barrington and Inverness; and portions of unincorporated Cook, Lake and McHenry Counties. Its primary mission is to provide Excellence in Service while protecting and saving the lives and property of those living and working in, and visiting, the district.

The BCFPD's services are strengthened through a series of automatic aid agreements with the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District, Buffalo Grove Fire Department, Carpentersville Fire Department, Cary Fire Protection District, East Dundee Fire Protection District, Fox River Grove Fire Protection District, Lake Zurich Rural Fire Protection District, Long Grove Fire Protection District, Palatine Rural Fire Protection District and Wauconda Fire District. It also enjoys a long-standing working relationship with the Hoffman Estates Fire Department.

The board of trustees meets the third Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m., at the district's Lake Barrington headquarters, 22222 N. Pepper Road.

For more information on district activities and events, visit www.bcfpd.org or call (224) 848-4800.

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