Thanks for 100 Years of Service!

Typically, when you think of 100 years of service, you think of an institution. But, in this case, I’m talking about three Hillsboro Firefighters who are retiring at about the same time. Perhaps, you could call them an institution, come to think of it. Together, they represent 100 years in the fire service. Wednesday evening, August 18th, colleagues gathered to honor Lieutenants Larry Yakymi and Brad Kastner along with Engineer Brad Lepley for their combined century of serving the citizens of Hillsboro.

From Yak Kastner Lepley retirement

The soiree occurred at Cornelius Pass Roadhouse and featured endless stories from coworkers, chiefs, and union brothers and sisters. They bestowed gifts and plaques, including a gift that fellow firefighters sealed inside of a granite boulder for Larry Yakymi. The former Urban Search & Rescue/Technical Rescue team member took a few swings with a sledge hammer, but was unable to crack the granite. We’ll check back some day in the future to see if he ever got his gift out.

Besides the colleagues, families and staff who gathered to wish the trio a happy retirement, 21 previous retirees showed up to share in the festivities and stay connected with their former organization. All 24 retirees posed for a photo and we estimate the talent in this photo below represents more than 700 years of firefighting experience! Happy retirement Brad, Brad and Larry!

From Yak Kastner Lepley retirement

Fill the Boot 2010

From Fill the Boot 2010

Help Hillsboro Firefighters help Jerry’s Kids! HFD members of the International Association of Firefighters Local 2210 took to the streets on Friday 8/12 and Friday 8/13 to raise funds for research for a cure to Muscular Dystrophy. The reference to Jerry’s Kids comes from long time comedian and Muscular Dystrophy Association supporter Jerry Lewis.

The firefighters collected donations on 10th between Oak and Baseline and also at the Shute on-ramps to Oregon Highway 26 from 4 – 7 pm on Thursday. On Friday they are at the intersection of SE Brookwood and East Main and at the 185th on-ramp to Hwy 26 from 4-7 pm.

All donations collected during the Fill-The-Boot will help fund local MDA programs and services, including support groups and equipment such as wheel chairs and leg braces. The proceeds also support clinics at Oregon Health and Science University and Shriners Hospital for Children and help send Oregon children with muscle wasting diseases to MDA summer camp each year.

From Fill the Boot 2010

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. The majority of contributions to MDA come from individual donors.

Elsewhere across the Metro area will also be out in force this week to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
*Clackamas: Friday at SE 82nd Ave/ Causey; Saturday at Mollala Ave/ Gaffney Ln, Oregon City
*Gresham: Division and Eastman Pkwy; Friday/ Saturday 9-5
*Portland: SE 122nd Ave/ Stark; W Burnside/ 23rd Ave, Thursday/ Friday, 3-6:30
*Vancouver: Fourth Plain/ Andresen; 162 Ave./ NE 18th St.; Thursday/ Friday, noon-4