For Immediate Release
Chardon Ladder Truck to be dedicated to Asst. Chief Hummel,
Sr. on Dec. 13th, 2003
A Memorial to Asst. Chief Thomas Hummel, Sr.
By Lt. Gary McKrill, Chardon Fire
Department
On December 13, 2003, the Chardon Volunteer Fire Department
will dedicate the new Tower Ladder 3349 to the memory of Assistant Chief Thomas
Hummel, Sr. All are welcome to attend this event at the fire station from
2pm-4pm.
With respect to this dedication, let's take a moment to
reflect on the reason for the dedication. The Chardon Volunteer Fire Department lost a great member
and dedicated firefighter when Assistant Chief Thomas “Tom” Hummel Sr. died
a few years ago. My thoughts often reflect on the character of Tom as situations
arise at the fire station. I wonder how he would respond or what he would say in
his reserved, but resolved manner and dignified approach to the business of the
department.
His life was deliberately a blend of family, fire
department, job, and friends. Pretty much in that order. His passion for life,
and all that he pursued, left a lasting impression on me and most everyone that
had the opportunity to serve under him, have business dealings with him, or
simply met him at some time at a town meeting or social outing. He was a person
that everyone liked. His manner was stately, but in a non-intimidating way. He
carried himself in such a way that you knew how proud he was, of who he was, and
what he held dear. Never did he call attention to himself, however. I
truly think that to him, “Assistant Chief” was a rank with responsibility,
not power. He always could find the
right thing to say to make you feel at ease. Some say that he never took a
negative approach to anything, and always treated everyone with respect.
I know he was proud of the Hummel heritage at the fire
department and wanted to perpetuate that which his father loved and dedicated so
much time to. Tom’s brother-in law, Ron Jonovich (married to sister Holly),
served as Chief, and currently Treasurer, and two of Ron’s sons are
firefighters at Chardon (Mark, and Tim). Tom’s son, Tom Jr., is currently
Assistant Chief. Tom’s daughter is married to current Lieutenant Paul Marks.
The only time he wasn’t listed on a run report was a couple of weeks in July
each year, when the whole Hummel family was in
Canada
on vacation.
Tom spent his days as a banker in Chardon except when the
alarm would sound. The banker transformed into firefighter and engineer in a
moments notice. He would arrive in his pressed suit and tie, then quickly put on
his turnout gear. His love for the sound of the station siren, race to the
fire station, and the roar of the big engine in the fire truck brought Tom into
his realm, jamming gears and petal to the metal. He handled any rig with ease. I
think he fit best in the driver’s seat, and everyone knew it, quickly moving
over if he showed up. He would most always opt to drive than be in the
officer’s seat.
Over the years, his love and dedication for the fire
department and active roles in city government has left us all with a loss at
his passing. It only seams appropriate that the
new city
-owned ladder truck (3349) be dedicated to him and serve as a memorial to his
service. Early this year, Chardon Volunteer Fire Department retired a 30 year
old Mack 75 ft. snorkel truck, that the city owned, and replaced it with a new Sutphen
100 ft. tower/ ladder truck. This truck is just simply awesome! (thanks to
Chief Engineer Mike Homovec). Tower Ladder 3349 captures many of the same
attributes that Tom displayed. Tom displayed strength, stature, and capabilities
in a classy package; ready for any situation, in any venue. That’s pretty much
Tower Ladder 3349, too.
We all thought that 3349 should carry Tom’s name in
memorial for his service to the community and to the fire department. I felt
that his love for family also should be incorporated. Thus, my inspiration for
the truck memorial insignia;
The shape of the insignia is of a shield to denote
protection with the woven red and black, like our department patch (see
patch symbolism); black- mourning the members past, and red- the life blood
of present, and gold trim- to withstand the test of time. The center is the
Hummel family crest with a few embellishments. The blue shield and the bee are
the parts that represent the Hummel family. The firefighting tools are added
symbols of the close ties and dedications that the Hummel family has had, and
continue to have, with Chardon Volunteer Fire Department. It would be much
like Tom to ask the question, "Why climb? When you can fly”. If speed and
efficiency could be obtained without compromise, Tom was for it. The 35 years of
Tom’s service were spent making Chardon Volunteer Fire Department the premier,
most progressive, fire department in Geauga county. Tower Ladder 49 is an
example of his continuing influence. His badge #13 has been retired, but the man
behind that badge will live on in memorial. His dedication, vision, fiscal
leadership, modest pride, and respect for others should be an example to us all.
I’m not sure Tom would enjoy seeing his name on the new
ladder truck, because he seldom brought attention to himself, but I am sure he
would be pleased that his heart-felt dedication to excellence and community
service is continuing through his family and friends at Chardon Volunteer Fire
Department. The flame lives on.
-Lieutenant
Garrett McKrill
July 31, 2003
(We invite our residents and people within surrounding communities to come see
the new ladder truck. Watch for it at parades, football games, and the Maple Festival
... and think of Tom when you see it.)
