Welcome to the Retiree's Corner. This section of the Thornton Professional Firefighters Local 2376

Web Site will be used for the sharing of information pertaining to all former and retired members of

theThornton Fire Department.

The intent of this page is to keep in touch with retirees, provide a place for posting of pension information,

retirement notices, pertinent articles and any other information members deem important.

Click  HERE  if you would like to share your e-mail address, insert a picture or just say hello!

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Services for retired Lieutenant Ray Bury:      August 19th,2015

Raymond Bury, 68, of Keenesburg, Co died August 9, 2015 at his home. He was born December 30, 1946 in Denver, CO the son of Raymond and Linnola (Collier) Bury. Following his high school graduation, we went on to attend college and serve in the United States Air Force before embarking on his lifelong career as a firefighter.

Ray was a collector of Antique Fire Engines, a member of the Shriners, the Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, National Fire Protection Association, the Society for Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America, Grand Lodge A.F. and A. M. of Kansas, American Truck Historical Society and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Besides his love of antique fire trucks and equipment he loved farming, going to auctions and driving trucks.

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Retired Firefighter Lamar Whitney Passes April 28th, 2015

Lamar Henry Whitney, age 85, passed away at his home in Grove, Okla. on Tuesday, April 28, 2015.

Lamar was born on Nov. 7, 1929 in Wichita, Kan. to the late Dwight Wright Whitney and Sylvia Mary (Kopplin) Whitney. Lamar grew up in Wichita, Kan. attending North High School. After graduation, Lamar worked as a volunteer firefighter with his dad in Sedgwick County, Kan. in 1947. He served his country in the United States Marines from 1948 through 1952. After his service to his country, Lamar returned to the Sedgwick County Fire Department where he sought to reduce property damage and loss of life to fire and other disasters from 1952 to 1960. He then moved to Hutchinson, Kan. and served on the fire department where he was promoted to rank of Captain from 1960 to 1968. Lamar later moved to Pueblo, Colo. during 1968 and then moved to Thornton, Colo. serving there until his retirement in 1979. Not content to sit idle as a retiree at his lakefront home in Delaware County, he became the Volunteer Director of Delaware County Civil Defense where he managed the organizational transition from civil defense to the all-hazard approach to Emergency Management from 1987 until 2001. Lamar sought to remain closer to home and volunteered as Station Master and Engineer at Cowskin Fire Department from 2001 until the present.

April 28^th 2015

The volunteers and board of the Cowskin Rural Fire District mourn the passing of our much beloved and highly respected Retired Engineer #312, Lamar H. Whitney, this morning at his home in the Cowskin community near Grove, OK.

Lamar lost his battle with lung cancer at the age of 85. He leaves behind 8 children, 16 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. He distinguished himself as a US Marine, as a firefighter in Sedgwick Co. and Hutchison, KS., Pueblo and Thornton, CO., as Delaware County Civil Defense Director, and Firefighter-Engineer at Cowskin Rural Fire District.

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Lieutenant DeCorsey Retires

After 24 years of service to the City of Thornton Fire Department, Lieutenant Deborah DeCorsey retired in December 2014. Deb worked as a Firefighter, promoted to Engineer, and then promoted to a Lieutenant in December 2003.

She was dedicated to Thornton’s Juvenile Fire-setter Diversion Program and maintained her certification in this specialty for seven years. Deb’s presence in the fire station will truly be missed and Local 2376 wishes her a long and healthy retirement!

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Engineer Ralph Pollio Retires

4/1/14

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Lt. Brent Burke Resigns:

Accepts Deputy Chief Position at Cimmiron Hills Fire Department

Lieutenant Brent Burke has announced his resignation with TFD effective March 2nd, 2014.  He has

accepted a Deputy Chief position with the Cimarron Hills Fire Department near Colorado Springs. Brent has been with TFD 16 years.  He has been a Lieutenant in District 3 as well the Fire Investigation Team Leader. We wish the best of luck to Brent as he pursues his new career.

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Retiree Engineer Tim Bartel in his new "uniform" aboard the Disney Fantasy Cruise.

January 2014

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Larry Coapland Retires August 2, 2013

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Retired Captain Harold Valasek takes a break from yard work to pose for a picture. (June 2013)
 

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Lt. Jim Bourn

            August 4, 1945-January 24, 2013

                     Retired TFD 6/6/89

James Eugene Bourn was born August 4, 1945 to Gordon and Blanche (Babbitt) Bourn in Cedar Rapids, NE. Jim had four siblings - Gordon Ray, Sandra Fittje, Daniel, and Merilee "Sue" Oakley. Sue is the last surviving sibling. Jim was a lieutenant for the Longmont and Thornton Fire Departments with over 20 years of service from 1969-1989. He graduated from Fullerton, NE high school in 1963, attended Kearney State College In Kearney, NE, and Red Rocks Community College studying Fire Science. Jim was a wonderful dad, grandpa and husband and an all-around good person. If he was your friend, he was your true friend. He was not a social butterfly but rather avoided crowds, choosing to spend his time with close friends and loved ones. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy; he was always the one to take care of the grandchildren whenever needed, and always provide love and support. 

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Steve Jennings Retires

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New Hires:  January 15, 1980

Rob Hobart, Rick Amend, Roger Sampsel, John Longnecker, Jimmy Dawson

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Rick Amend Retires

Lieutenant Rick Amend is escorted by Honor Guard members Jon Bailey

and Roy Girton after finishing his last shift on duty with Thornton Fire on

December 16th 2012.  Rick started his career on January 15, 1980.

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Captain Mike Cutshaw

Thornton Firefighter to retire after 35 years

 Author: Lisa Wilson City of Thornton

the Thornton Fire Department Training Division Certificate of Appreciation in January 1991 for outstanding efforts and support in the 1990-91 North Metro Fire Academy;

recognition in October 1991 for his assistance with the hazardous materials display during Fire Prevention Week;

recognition in March 1992 for diligence in solving power loss problems with an engine, which resulted in substantial savings to the City and kept the vehicle in service;

the City-wide Team of the Year award in February 2005 for teamwork and cooperation creating the City's Ambulance Transport Service;

a Fire/Police Team Life Saving Award for a successful cardiac arrest resuscitation in August 2007;

appreciation for his job performance and assistance to citizens.

"One of the hardest things about retiring is leaving the guys," says Cutshaw." The men and women in this Fire Department are special. To be on the outside looking in will be hard for me." Still, Cutshaw says retirement brings some things to look forward to. "When I leave, the thing I will cherish the most is being able to go to bed, and stay there. Our station is called the 'Land of Sleepless Nights.'"

Mike Cutshaw retires as a Fire Captain assigned to Fire Station #3. His last day with Thornton Fire is June 24,2010.

                                        2010 Retiree Breakfast