I apologize for the lack of updates this week, but I all my time was dedicated to the services for Waterbury Fire Captain John Keane. I was notified Tuesday morning that I was on the Special Services committee that was responsible for Communications out of the Union Office regarding the services for John.

     My efforts in the office and on the Local 1339 website were but a tiny part of the machine that is Local 1339. I would like to personally thank all the members of the WFD Local 1339 who stepped up this week and donated anything and everything. I cannot count the times I heard the words 'Whatever it takes' this week. No task was too small, no effort was spared, no one gave less than all they had to honor this man. I am not going to mention names because I would never be able to make the list without leaving someone out. But I would like to thank the groups of people that made this week possible. I would like to thank all the members of the Special Services Committee, the WFD Retirees, the WFD Spouses, the WFD Fire Chiefs Office, the Conn. FireFighters Pipes and Drums, the Office of the Mayor, the Waterbury Police Dept, the Waterbury Street Dept, the Waterbury Parks & Recreation Dept, the Conn. State Police, the Red Cross, Kelly-Brennan Funeral Home, the Republican-American, WTNH Channel 8, and the members of the Waterbury Community who came out in support of John. I would also like to thank the members of the fire departments who responded to this tragedy; from the departments who sent members to help operate our reception at the Waterville Firehouse, to the members who were manning our fire stations during the services, and to the thousands who turned out to march with us in honor of John. And lastly I would like to thank my wife and my children for allowing me to dedicate so much time this week. God bless John Keane.