by JB
On the scene Thursday, January 19, 2015 at the Groton Senior Center for the official “pinning of the badge” for the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department’s new Chief. Joseph Winski was appointed Fire Chief of the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department following the retirement Chief Todd Paige.
The Groton Senior Center was the location for friends, family, and colleagues to gather to witness the event. There were Fire Chiefs representing departments in the region, many wearing their dress uniforms. As I watched the Chiefs and firemen from the area file into the room, I couldn’t help but think it is all too rare that Emergency Services personnel, whether an EMS, Police Officer, or a Firefighter, have a chance to gather to welcome a familiar face into active service. For it is far too often that we gather in our dress uniforms to say goodbye to a fellow colleague.
Joseph Winski takes the helm at the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department, at a time that controversy overshadows goodness. Joe, who began his firefighting career at age 16, remains in active fire service for nearly half a century. He recently retired as a Supervisory Judicial Marshall, working in Waterford, to become the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department’s news leader.
Since he has taken command, the District has purchased a new combination pumper/ladder truck referred to as a “quint,” and in a cost sharing agreement, the department will have one of their pumpers overhauled. Joe began mending fences with the Fire Department’s union, and instilled on his new men that he will work to restore a “family” atmosphere that the department was somewhat removed from.
I was proud to be a witness at this occasion, and will not soon forget the regular and routine references to firefighters being a “family “.
Chief Joe Winski takes a seat at the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department table and is determined to achieve success with his men at his side.
@TrpJB1138
theresidenttprjb@gmail.com