The days preceding President Bush’s visit on May 24, 2005 were extremely busy at North Greece. This “once-in-a-lifetime” experience carried with it an enormous responsibility for our District. Chief Carl Van Putte, Assistant Chief Tom Grace, Deputy Chief Jim Maxwell, Assistant Chief Stan Mesh , and Captain Dave Walker coordinated all aspects of the event for North Greece. Their diligent efforts were supported by a team of North Greece volunteer and career personnel, fire police, and ladies auxiliary.
Preliminary meetings were held in preparation for the event with President Bush’s advance team designated for public appearances. Federal Secret Service agents met with Chief Van Putte, Greece Police Chief Merritt Rahn, City of Rochester Police Department, New York State Police, Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, Gates Police Department, Federal Aviation Administration, City of Rochester Fire Department, Monroe County International Airport Fire Department, and Rural Metro Ambulance.
The numerous roles for North Greece to coordinate that day included:
- NG equipment and manpower assignments and staging
- Station No. 3 established as “Safe House” for President. Station manned with team of (16), 2-Engines, Mo. Co. Haz-Mat Team, and NG District Command Officer. Ridge Road FD assisted with mutual service coverage to south end of North Greece Fire District.
- Staging area established at Wegmans parking lot manned with team of (15), 1-Rescue, 1 -Quint, ambulance, NG Fire Police, and Lake Shore FD Chief. Lake Shore FD also provided mutual service coverage to north end of North Greece Fire District.
- North Greece Headquarters manned with team of (9), 1-North Greece Engine, 1-Barnard FD Engine, and Barnard FD Chief provided mutual service coverage to east end of North Greece Fire District.
- North Greece Sta. No. 1 manned with team of (9), 1-North Greece Engine, 1-Hilton FD Engine, and Hilton FD Assistant Chief provided mutual service coverage to west end of North Greece Fire District.
- Athena HS assignments included team of (22), 2-Engines, 2-ambulances, monitoring of fire alarm panel, monitoring of security room, and special agent assignments.
- Allocation of Channel 6 during the event.
- NG Officer staged at Mo. Co. International Airport Command Post.
- Coordination of 3 ambulance staging locations and security involvement.
- Coordination of NG Fire Police assignments.
- Coordination of NG Ladies Auxiliary assignments.
The event day commenced at 6:30 a.m. with a final review of all operations. All off-site personnel attended an 8:00 a.m. briefing at Station No. 1 and were sent to their assigned locations. Those closest to operations were amazed at the extraordinary preparations and security required for the President’s visit. Several local dignitaries were fortunate enough to meet President Bush and have a photograph taken with him, including Chief Carl Van Putte (photo forthcoming).
North Greece would like to thank all local agencies for their teamwork that made the event one that we can all be proud of especially Barnard Fire Department, Lake Shore Fire Department, Hilton Fire Department, Ridge Road Fire Department, and the Mo. Co. Haz-Mat Team.
And to our own North Greece family, thank you for your professionalism, dedication, and hard work that resulted in a flawless operation. President Bush’s visit will be remembered in North Greece FD history for years to come.
Associated Photos:
