WARWICK — When Warwick Fire Chief Ron Gates told Deputy Chief Roland Weld to be at Town Hall Saturday, Weld thought it was to take photos of the department’s firefighters. Sporting his best attire, he arrived promptly, but found a different event entirely.
During a surprise ceremony at 6 p.m. Saturday, surrounded by his friends, family and fellow firefighters, Weld was presented with an award in honor for his roughly 22 years of service to the department.
With 66-year-old Weld having recently retired from his job as a machinist at Echo Industries in Orange, Gates decided to arrange the ceremony to show the department’s appreciation for his colleague’s enduring devotion, even though he isn’t retiring from the Fire Department just yet.
“I don’t know when he’s going to retire and didn’t want him to just disappear,” Gates said.
Provided with a customized plaque, an axe and wood, Gates’ father Lee Legassey set to work crafting Weld’s award in time for the ceremony, and community members echoed their appreciation.
“I never, ever drive by that fire station and not see Rolly working on the trucks,” said Gates’ wife Lori. “He has kept these trucks going for us, and I am so grateful to him for that.”
“This (award) is nothing compared to what you’ve put into the station,” Ron Gates added.
Weld, the longest-standing department member, is known for passing his knowledge down to newcomers with a little tough love, Ron and Lori Gates agreed, encouraging the members to be actively engaged once he shows them the ropes.
“It’s our job to teach ’em the routine, not to do it for ’em,” Weld said.
“Every one of us learned how to run those trucks from Roland,” Ron Gates said.
Weld estimated he spends anywhere from three to 10 hours each week working at the station, not counting time spent training or responding to calls. With a natural interest in making repairs and self-taught skills, the firefighters recognize Weld as a huge asset to the department.
“I’m just surprised,” Weld said of receiving the award. “It was nice of everybody to do that for me. It’s nice to feel appreciated.”
It’s a good thing, then, that with a reminder from Ron and Lori Gates, Weld attended the disguised ceremony, under the pretense of getting his photo taken.
“I’d forgotten that we were even doing this picture thing today!” he said.
Weld plans to continue his involvement with the Fire Department, in the interest of serving the community and for the adrenaline rush he enjoys, as long as he can.
Reach Shelby Ashline at: sashline@recorder.com
413-772-0261, ext. 257