CALEB NICKERSON
WALTHAM Feb. 16, 2020
On Saturday evening, members of the Waltham Fire Department gathered at the Waltham Station restaurant for their annual dinner.
Following a delicious . . .
roast beef meal, Chief Larry Perry spoke at length about the previous year’s challenges and accomplishments. The department replaced their rescue van at a cost of about $21,000, which Perry was pleased to note was acquired through fundraising efforts rather than tax dollars.
Though the department had only 24 emergency calls in the year, Perry noted that they were kept busy with the heavy flooding that hit in the spring, which he likened to “one long emergency call”.
He applauded the firefighters for their actions during the floods, as well as municipal staff and regular citizens for their efforts as well. Perry called the response to the disaster was a “testament to the strength of the community.”
Perry awarded the Firefighter of the year award to Earl Grieve, praising his mechanical skills as well as his tireless contibutions during the flooding.
As a gift for his crew, Perry also distributed some snazzy decorative license plates bearing the department’s logo.
Perry’s wife Helen closed out the speeches with a touching tribute of her own, noting the sacrifices made by firefighter’s loved ones.
“It hasn’t been easy, it takes a lot of giving,” she said. “It’s Larry’s passion, it’s what he loves … It’s rewarding.”
