Congratulations to Firefighter Donald Sassaman for serving the citizens of Reading for years. The "SASS" started when he joined as a volunteer with the Liberty Fire Company Engine 5 in December of 1980. Don was eventually hired on June 25th 1990, and was assigned to the D platoon after completing training. A few years later in January of 1992, FF Sassaman was assigned to Engine 2 on the A platoon. In August of 1994, "SASS" took a position as the firefighter on Engine 3 with the D platoon. 4 years would pass before he moved to the driver's seat on the "C" in 1998. For the next 20 years Donny drove Engine 3 on the C platoon. The SASS was most famously known for his ability to bust everyone's "balls" including officers. You would not escape a comment or two from the SAS after visiting Engine 3 & Ladder 1's quarters.
In his retirement, Donny plans to play golf.....lots of golf. He is also exploring the possibility of becoming an umpire. He wants everyone to remember one thing. "If you ever run into a problem, tell em' you're with the ####### SASS"
Donny stopped by the station after retiring to give me a few words to pass along. Here is what he had to say:
Question #1 - Apparatus/Tools/Equipment Was there anything Apparatus/Tools/Equipment-wise during your career that you felt had a special need, operated quirky, or you felt was a potential problem. |
I really disliked the smaller Kovatch rigs we operated in the 90's as Engine's 2 & 12. Later on they were placed in reserve status and they were just as lousy to work on. |
Question #2 - Calls/Incidents/Experiences/Problem Buildings Tell us about any calls, incidents, or experiences that offer a lesson learned for other firefighters (especially new ones). I'm sure you could think of many things in your career, but just pick out one or two things that come to mind as being most important |
I believe we spend too much time working in vacant buildings when they are so well-involved. I can remember several times when I was operating inside when I thought we should not have been there. I caution newer fighters to keep their eyes open and not get themselves hurt or killed for a vacant structure. |
Question #3 - Department History Can you name something from the department that you feel we have lost over the years that might be good to bring back or recall? (procedure, policy, event, ceremony, etc) |
| I would like to see the Local put on a formal banquet again. I was fortunate enough to attend a few before we stopped, they were great times. Bring back the DROP program for our younger guys!
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Question #4 - Your Wisdom Can you write one thing that you feel would be helpful to pass on to new firefighter that could help them stay healthy & safe throughout their career? |
Stop eating at the firehouse! Seriously though, watch what you eat. Stay active and workout, I used to workout and I gradually got out of it and I paid for it. Go every year for an annual physical. I always thought the Fire Department should be providing us with physicals so we could monitor our health. I found cancer during a routine exam several years ago which probably saved my life. Although I beat the cancer, I still had to fight the city to get my treatments covered. |
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