Gerald Mood ~ 2012 Fireman Of The Year - Dover, DE

Thursday, September 13, 2012

During the opening ceremonies for the 2012 DVFA/LADVFA Conference Citizens' Hose Company Past Chief & Chief Emeritus Gerald J. Mood was bestowed one of the most prestigious awards in the Delaware Fire Service. P/C Mood was awarded the 2012 DVFA Delaware Fireman of the Year Award. P/C Mood received this honor for his 56+ years of dedication to the Citizens' Hose Company, and the citizens of Smyrna. P/C Mood was joined by his wife, son, and numerous officers and members of the CHC at the awards ceremony. The CHC is proud and honored to have such a person represent our company. Congratulations again Gerald on your much deserved award and recognition. From Gerald's nomination letter: "Gerald joined the Citizens' Hose Co. on January 9, 1956 and has been active every year since joining, except for during his time in the United States Navy. He has been an integral part of this company and a daily fixture for over 56 years. During his time here at the Citizens' Hose Company, Gerald has served in numerous roles. He served the company as both a fire line officer, and as an administrative officer. As a fire line officer, he has been a chief drivers training officer for the last 4 years since the implementation of the program, he has held the role of Captain, 2nd Asst. Chief, or 1st Asst. Chief for a total of 10 years, and served as Fire Chief for 7 years during two separate terms. While staying active with the fire/rescue side of the company, Gerald always stayed just as active administratively. He served as Trustee for 2 years, but most impressively he has served on the Board of Directors for 49 of the last 50 years. During this time Gerald has served on and has been chairperson for many committees, including truck replacement, long range planning, fundraising, building, and far too many more to list. Most notably he headed up the committee to refurbish our Antique 1928 American LaFrance pumper known as “Old Mom.” He worked tirelessly to assure the history of the truck and our company was put back into that truck and everything was 100% original. The efforts of his work sit proudly in our station for all to see. During his 56 years of service Gerald has received numerous awards from the company. He received Special Life Membership status in 2000, and was made a Chief Emeritus in 2006. Each of these awards has only been bestowed 4 times, and Gerald is only one of two who have received both. He has also received the Fireman of the Year Award in 2004, 2007, 2009, & 2010 which is given to the person who accumulates the most points thus being the most active member for the year. He is also currently the only member in the company in the “9000 alarm club” which is for members who have attended 9000+ alarms in their time of service. The DVFA also awarded Gerald with an award for recognition of his 50 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Delaware in 2006. During his 56 years Gerald has done more than just serve as an officer, director, or committee person. He does so much behind the scenes that many people don’t see, or just take for granted. Gerald is there for you or the company no matter when or what. When a new chief takes over, he is one of the first to give support, and give that helping hand or be a sounding board whenever needed. When it comes to fundraising events, you can always count on seeing his face there. When we used to have weekly bingo, he missed very few over many years. He has been a member of the color guard for the company and the band for countless years. He is always proud to display and carry our company, state, or nation’s flag. He does so at every parade, special event, with the band every year at the Delaware State Fair, and at many of their other events. He has been a huge supporter of the band ever since he played in the band in his early years before switching over and marching with the company. The number of miles that Gerald has marched is unimaginable. Being one of the primary drivers, he is always willing to help with fire prevention, control burnings, stand-bys, pool fills, clean-ups, driving the ladder for crossed ladders or funerals, or wherever a truck is needed. He assists the engineers and trustee with maintenance of the trucks and buildings, and is always seen straightening up or cleaning up anything that needs to be done. But the most impressive behind the scenes activity that Gerald does goes above and beyond all. Every year for Memorial Day, Gerald along with his brother Jimmy go all around the state and surrounding area placing fire company flags on the graves of all the deceased members. They have been doing this for many years in order to pay respects and honor to our lost brothers. He takes great pride in being able to make sure those that are no longer with us are not forgotten. Gerald is one of those members who are very highly respected by all members of the company. His dedication and commitment is what all the rest of us strive to become. No matter what he is needed for Gerald is always there and always willing to help. He puts 120% effort into everything he does, no matter how big or small. During his 56 years of service many members have looked up to him as a “father figure”, and he has filled the role of mentor to many members who have come up through the ranks. His wisdom and advice is always taken to heart and never just laid aside. No matter what time of day or night, you can always expect to see Gerald pull into the parking lot when the alarm sounds. But even with all that he does for the fire company, he still has plenty of time for his family, church, and community. If he is not at the station you can guarantee he is either at home or at his church. He spends countless hours at the church doing maintenance, cutting grass, or helping with various programs. Even though his dedication to the fire company is unsurpassed, everyone will tell you that his family and his church still come first."

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