Last weekend, Firefighter Ian Ballard was presented with a Letter of Commendation from Lt. Derek Klink and Capt. Augustine Syrovy.
Here’s what they had to say about Ballard:
“Our success relies upon a proactive organization that understands the future will be determined by the use of our most valuable resource…our personnel. We hope to have Firefighter Ian Ballard back very soon.” – Lieutenant Derek Klink
“Firefighter Ian Ballard is an outstanding Firefighter and a good person. This layoff will be felt by our organization and the community. I wish him the very best in his career and hope that one day soon he may be recalled back to work for the Chelsea Area Fire Authority.” – Captain Augustine Syrovy
Best of luck to Mr. Ballard in his future endeavors.
I am a little confused about the citation, however. It’s written on CAFA letterhead, but is not signed by the CAFA Chair, or any other Board members or the Chief. Not to denigrate Mr. Ballard, but does this citation reflect the views of the two signing firefighters alone? If so, use of this CAFA format is inappropriate, inasmuch as it doesn’t appear to represent the views of the Board, the Chief, or the majority of CAFA firefighters for that matter. If not, the citation should have been submitted for the Chief’s endorsement and Board approval in accordance with CAFA practice.
Rod Anderson