Left to right-Jerry Yoder, Lt. Jeff Whitcombe, Chris Bobo, Zach Gowanlock, Nathan Kinne, Dave Adams and Adam Palumbo
City Firefighter Dave Adams worked his final shift today at the City of Batavia Fire Department after 20 years of service.
Adams spent all 20 of his years with the 2nd Platoon and he recalls his first day like it was yesterday.
“I remember every person that was on the crew when I started,” says Adams, which was made up of 10 people, two officers and seven firefighters.
“You remember moments, the relationships you build with the guys here, it still feels like a few days ago that I walked in and got started.’
Adams career included the Buffalo Fire Academy, Paramedic Certification, Health and Safety Representative, several positions with IAFF Local 896 on the Executive Board and participating in the Memorial Day Parade.
Adams, who is now 57, says the time feels right to retire and pass on the job to the younger generation.
” I’m fortunate to be in good health, but its a young mans job. Will sort of pass that torch along to them and time to move on with other portions of your life.”
Adams, in preparation for his retirement, has worked to get his NYS license to sell real estate and recently started working with Howard Hanna’s Office here in Batavia.
Adams says a lot has changed since he started in January of 1999.
“For someone new coming in there is a lot to learn, there is new way to approach what we do, a lot of technical skills that come along with it, along with a lot of opportunities to learn that are now available to them.”
“People don’t realize what firefighters have to learn now a days and what goes with being a new firefighter. You have to be more versatile, but still have the ability to work with a team or small unit of people”