by Bea Peterson
Shirley and Ivan Wager appeared a bit overwhelmed by the standing ovation given them at the conclusion of a ceremony that included the presentation of plaques and certificates from the U.S. Congress, the NYS Senate and Assembly, Rensselaer County, the Town of Berlin and several Firefighting organizations. In expressing his appreciation to the large crowd gathered at the Berlin Fire House on Saturday, September 22, Ivan Wager told them Shirley’s thoughts on their years of service. Ivan said Shirley had told him, “I’ll probably die alone because you’ll be off helping someone else.” [private]Hopefully that will never be the case. But years of being stranded at events because Ivan had dashed off to a fire and years of interrupted meals, interrupted holidays and family celebrations tend to color her thinking. None the less, as a member of the Berlin Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary Shirley has been there, providing the necessary support for 50 years.
United States Congressman Chris Gibson, the first of many to speak and make presentations on Saturday, told the couple they represent all that is good in our communities and in our Country. “I can only imagine how that propane fire 50 years ago shaped your lives,” he said. Ivan had only been a part of the Berlin Fire Department for a few days when he responded to the fire that devastated a portion of the Town and affected all its residents.
At that time the couple could have backed away or stepped forward. They chose to step forward. Ivan served as Berlin Fire Chief from 1966 to 1979 and again from 1986 to 1990. He was Rensselaer County Battalion 5 Coordinator for years and is currently Fire Coordinator for all of Rensselaer County. Over the years Shirley has filled several Auxiliary Board positions, including that of President, and served on countless Auxiliary committees.
Besides the commendation from Congress, Gibson presented the couple with a coin. Gibson, a career military man, told the Wagers that the coin is a military tradition and is given to individuals to recognize their achievement and to show appreciation for duty, dedication and a job well done.
Master of Ceremonies Berlin Fire Chief Steve Barber and Auxiliary and Rescue Squad Vice-President Debbie Maxon were next to present plaques to the couple. Barber said Ivan has been a mentor to many and a strong support to the Department. “You are both true icons and a huge asset to the Department.” He added that they are the first in the Department’s history to achieve 50 years active membership. With that, First Assistant Chief William
Osterhout Jr. unveiled the two plaques the Department had mounted on the wall under the memorial bell honoring the couple for their 50 years of dedication to the Berlin Fire Department.
In presenting them a commendation from the NYS Assembly, Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin said the couple were guided by a “want to,” not a “need to” that was incredible. He said Volunteer Fire Departments are essential to the well being of the State and he thanked all the men and women who volunteer to serve their communities.
NYS Association of Fire Chiefs Director John Sroka said he was privileged to know the Wagers for 45 years, and he commended the couple for their service. Along with plaques, he presented them with a tape of the Channel 10 news footage of the Berlin fire and remembrance event.
In presenting the couple with a commendation from the NYS Senate, Senator Roy McDonald said, “A community is only as good as its residents, and Ivan and Shirley Wager are a reflection of what is good in the community of Berlin, in New York State and in our Country.” It takes a strong person to know what has to be done, to make the sacrifices and do the hard work, he continued. “You were there, you were leaders.”
Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino said countless people have been inspired by Ivan and Shirley. The volunteer Fire Departments, she said, are essential and the auxiliaries are the backbone of support. “We are blessed in Berlin and in the County to have Shirley and Ivan. They give and give and give.”
Legislator Stan Brownell called all the County people attending to the podium with him when he presented the couple with a proclamation from the Rensselaer County Legislature. He said Legislator Lester Goodermote was sorry he could not be present, but he was in Cleveland with a friend who was undergoing heart surgery. Brownell said he had tried to calculate the number of hours of service given by the Wagers. His estimate was that they each had volunteered at least 438,000 hours in 50 years.
Jay Wilson of the Association of Fire Districts of the Capital District said the Fire Service is built on tradition. “Talk to people like Ivan and Shirley and you understand that tradition. They know. They have been there and done that.” He thanked the couple for their service.
Rensselaer County Director of Public Safety Kelly Paslow looks at Ivan as a mentor. “When I need something, I ask Ivan.” He also commented that when he can’t reach Ivan, he contacts Shirley, and she reaches Ivan for him.
Leo Surdam made a presentation from the Hoosick Fire Department. Frank Fiaschetti of the Speigletown Fire Department recalled the fateful call that sent his Department to Berlin 50 years ago. He added that he remembered Ivan from days when they both had hair!
Representatives of First On Scene, Gary and Ray, said it was an honor to attend such an event and on behalf of the entire staff they wished to commend the couple “for putting safety before family.”
Berlin Town Supervisor Rob Jaeger said he couldn’t fathom the number of hours Ivan and Shirley have volunteered. “We couldn’t have a Town as great as we do without you,” he said.
Roger Scofield Fire Protection Specialist 1, NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control said Ivan has been “very helpful to our operation throughout the State.” He said the event was a tribute to the couple and their devotion to their community.
A congratulatory letter from U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was read by Osterhout. A letter from Congressman McNulty said there are 4,000 volunteer firefighters statewide and they were a testament to the Wager’s dedication. County Judicial candidate Debra Young thanked the couple for their service. Fire Chief Bill Seel of Petersburgh, Eric Amidon of North Hoosick and other firefighters representing these and other Departments were also in attendance, along with several community people.
Last to speak was Berlin Fire Department Board of Commissioners Vice-Chairman Sandi Slattery who said, “There are two words that are synonymous with the Berlin Volunteer Fire Company – Ivan and Shirley – because they serve as an example to the rest of us. They put their service first; they put their community first because they realized that community equals family, and we are all the family of Ivan and Shirley.” She noted that in spite of personal and physical challenges they have continued to serve. “We thank you for your dedication and service. We appreciate what you have done, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. May God grant you many more years to serve with us and reward you for the sacrifices you have made.” Her remarks were followed by applause, and the crowd came to its feet to salute the couple. Ivan and Shirley appeared abashed by the tribute.
Easygoing Ivan, ever calm and assured, thanked everyone for coming. “Most important of all,” he said, “are the friendships we’ve made throughout the County and the State. Everyone in this room has done so much for me and for my wife. All of you are my friends.” He added, “It is important to dedicate our lives to someone else. I hope we can involve more young people.” He thanked the Berlin Fire Department for all they have done. “You have always treated me like a king. You have done more for me than I can repay.”
Refreshments were served after the presentations.
Ivan and Shirley are synonymous with the Berlin Fire Department. Ivan is not just visible at the scene of a fire, but he is visible serving coffee at the monthly breakfasts and marching in parades. Whatever it takes, the Wagers can be counted on to be there and to pitch right in.
[/private]