Dalton Firefighter Recognized for Going Above and Beyond
DALTON, Mass. — The Dalton Fire Department is celebrating one of its own with the inaugural Above and Beyond Award.
Firefighter and emergency medical technician Ryan Foley was presented the award in December.
"In the past, had a couple of different types of awards just trying to recognize folks for their hard work and efforts throughout the year and encourage people to sort of push themselves professionally," said Charlotte Crane, fire prevention officer and EMT.
Interim Fire Chief Chris Cachat proposed the recognition after noticing many of the firefighters going "above and beyond" with their work.
Foley was selected for always doing more than needed. For example, he helped install washers and dryers for the crew to use for their gear, and worked on the renovation of the station's basement into a day room and workout area on his days off.
"He's very professional, very driven, and really gets right to work, doing the tasks that are assigned to them on a daily basis. But then, once those are complete, he often will start working on other things, whether that's cleaning something that hasn't been assigned that day." Crane said.
"But in particular, once he came on full time, he started working towards a couple of different projects that were really helpful and beneficial to the department, including helping to move and install some washers and dryers for our equipment, and that's down in the ladder bay, putting together information on some of the equipment that we have on our apparatus, he's also been incredibly instrumental in renovating our basement space."
Foley has been with the department for two years and became a full-time firefighter about six months ago. He is also an assistant chief at the Huntington Fire Department and has a job outside of the department.
"In addition to sort of the physical efforts that he has made here in the department, he continues to pursue, professional development. He's regularly involved in various trainings through the Massachusetts Fire Academy. And on top of that, he still continues to balance all of the other demands of his life, including, a family and another job and a leadership role in a neighboring town, the Huntington Fire Department. So he's a busy guy, certainly skilled, but very driven," Crane said.
Foley said he grew up always wanting to be a firefighter.
"My grandfather was a police officer. I've had other family members in different lines of service. It's just something I love doing. Of course, everybody says they get into this to help people, but that's sort of black and white, there's a lot more to it than that," he said. "It's the day-to-day stuff — it's very rewarding.
"The people that recognize the effort you put in and the camaraderie with different people that you work with. And there's a lot that goes into it, a lot of people say it's the best job in the world, and I guess I tend to be one of those people."
One of his proudest moments was when he was chosen to move from per diem to the full-time post, a spot that many have to wait to open up.
"Just the recognition of being at the top of the list for these guys on their per diem. They have a lot of people that work per diem hours and want to be full time here and as soon as that position opened up, I was the first one on the list," Foley said. "It's kind of a defining moment to finally be called in for a full-time position."
Foley said the award shocked him and that it felt great to be recognized and helps motivate others to do the same.
"It's nice. It gives everybody something to look up to strive for. It's kind of why I do it. If I see something that needs to be done and I do it, if there's something I can assist with, then I feel like I can offer to the department and give back a little bit and put some extra time in," he said. "And I do it, I don't really think too much of it. So if at the end of the day it gives somebody else something to look up to and strive for."
Foley is always striving for success as he takes courses to improve his training and become a leader. He hopes to one day work his way up the fire pole in the future.
"I just took an officer class, and I'm signed up to take a instructor class, and a Massachusetts fire and life and safety class, a lot of different goals and ambitions to maybe work my way up to chain of command in the future, and just kind of give back to the crew, knowledge-wise and training-wise," he said.
Foley said working at the Dalton Fire Department has been great and that he enjoys being able to help to protect Dalton.
"I think we got a great crew here, everybody works hard, everybody pitches in, a lot of good camaraderie between the chefs here, and everybody gets along. And I appreciate being able to be here and put my time in and give back to the town of Dalton first," he said.
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