First, I would like to take a few moments to thank all those who have helped
me rise to the rank of Fire Chief with Central Mason Fire & EMS. When I
first walked through the fire hall doors in 1987 as a recruit firefighter, I
was completely unaware of the journey I was starting. I thought I would be a
volunteer firefighter for a couple of years. Maybe add a little excitement
and adventure to my life and help my community in the process. I did not
have any aspirations of moving on with a career in the fire service. Most
certainly I did not envision I would have 30-plus years, working all the
ranks of our organization from recruit to Fire Chief. I would need a sheet
of paper the length of both my arms and possibly one of my legs to thank all
who have helped and guided me. So, to all Thank you.

The fire service like most things has sure changed. Our call volume in the
mid-1980s was less than 1000 calls a year. Now we are pushing 9000 runs. It
would not surprise me to see our organization exceed 10,000 911 calls in a
few short years. The demands placed on the fire service grow every year.
From the obvious such as call volume to the not-so-obvious like keeping up
with new technology, training, new laws, protocols, and societal demands.
All this increases the workload on our staff. As the Fire Chief, I see what
is asked of our crews. I witness how our personnel handle the challenges
that are thrown at them. I’m constantly reminded of the dedication, and
professionalism, our firefighters, and paramedic bring to our community
daily. I could not be prouder of them.

Last but certainly not least, the success of Central Mason Fire & EMS
would not be possible without the support of our citizens, our community,
and the people we serve. Just recently our citizenry voted to increase their
taxes on a fire levy. It is not beyond us here at CMFE that we are in
difficult times in our community. It is getting harder and harder to stretch
the proverbial dollar either here at Central Mason or at our taxpayer’s
home. Yet in these difficult times, the voters supported us. Thank you for
your support. It is my pledge to you as the Fire Chief, we at CMFE will work
to make those dollars go further.

Thank you for your time.

Jeff Snyder
Fire Chief
JSnyder@cmfe.org