The Post-Standard News |
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Purchased for use on the Borodino Bullett.
Post-Standard,
The (Syracuse, NY) June 17, 2004 Dick Clarke Dave Miller recently was
honored as Firefighter of The Year by the Borodino Fire Department. He
just finished a term as chief and was elected first assistant chief. He
talked with staff writer Dick Clarke.
Name: Dave Miller How I describe my neighborhood: Farming community. I've lived there
35 years and I'm originally from North Tonawanda.
Occupation: Service technician at Backus Ford, East Syracuse.
Education: Graduated from Skaneateles High School. Factory training
from Ford Motor Co. and numerous fire training schools throughout the
state.
My career in the fire service: I joined the Borodino Volunteer Fire
Department in 1974. I thought it would be fun to use and run the
firetrucks and tools. I've held all the corporate and line officer
positions and just completed my fifth term as chief.
Biggest problem facing volunteer fire departments: Daytime turnout
is definitely a major concern right now. So many of our firefighters work
outside the town that mutual aid is needed and relied upon.
If I were king, here's how I'd change the firefighting world: If
the volunteer fire service is going to survive, everyone in their
community will have to recognize the valuable service these people
provide. Civic leaders at all levels, business leaders and the fire
departments themselves all need to support the volunteers.
Perhaps if we treated them like military reservists and all the
benefits they receive - job security when on a call, paid time off for
training, budgeting sufficient money to provide the training and practice
time, convenient training facilities and on-site instructors - it would
encourage more people to become volunteer firefighters.
Explain how hard it was to give you the award since you were listed
as the presenter: They really fooled me on that one. As chief, I was
supposed to present the award to a person picked by the committee. Next
thing I knew, I was holding the award and it had my name on it.
Family: My wife, Melanie, and two girls - Tracy, 22, and Colleen,
19.
Excuse me if I brag about: my community. We have Norman Rockwell
down really well and a little bit of Hooterville, too.
Hobbies: I love restoring anything old. I have a 1949 tractor that
I completely restored and I use it in our vegetable garden. I can also be
found on the local lakes in our boat.
Favorite food: Anything we grow ourselves.
Food I despise: Hot and spicy. Oh, and lima beans.
My idea of a great night: Cooking at home for friends.
If I could invite four people to dinner (living or dead), they
would be: George Washington, Albert Einstein, Carl Sagan and Gary Larson
("Far Side"). We would discuss how we're going to get to where we're
going.
My favorite TV show: "West Wing"
I highly recommend this book: "The Discoverers" by Daniel J.
Boorstin. It gives you insight on how knowledge is obtained.
The worst job I ever had: Dealing with a family when there's a
death of a loved one. You suddenly are emotionally involved with perfect
strangers in trying to help them cope with their loss.
Dream vacation: Around-the-world tour.
Best vacation I ever took: Scuba diving in the Caribbean.
Favorite holiday: Christmas. The kids are home for the holidays,
and the family gatherings.
If I could do one thing over in my life, I would: become a career
paid firefighter or serve in the fire service.
People I most admire: My parents.
Favorite movie: "Hunt for Red October." | ||