For 210 years, the OFD has maintained the highest level of strength, reziliance, and heroism. This has all been possible through the pride and dedication of our membership, past and present. It's our members that have gone before us that laid the brickwork for the long deep-rooted tradition we continue today. For this, we continue to remember each and everyone of them and pay homage to thier selflessness and dedication of protecting the lives and proprtey of thier neighbors. We as a Department do this in many ways.  

At both Dale & St. Augustines cemeteries, the OFD has a memorial plot for the deceased members of the Department. Each year the Sunday before Memorial Day, the OFD holds our Annual Communion Breakfast. This over 70 year tradition has changed a bit from its original format, but it is still time taken to comemorate our past members for mass and to break bread with our brother and sister firefighters. After mass, breakfast, and the formal program is completed, members proceed to the Department Plots at thier respective cemeteries to bow our heads in prayer. 

Along with the Department Communion Breakfast, many of the individual companies still hold annual memorial or "rememberance" breakfasts. Some of our companies will invite the families and widows of past members to this event to keep in touch with them through the years. 

When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage,

give me strength to save some life whatever be its age. 

Help me embrace a little child before it is too late,

or save an old person from the horror of that fate. 

Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, 

to quickly and efficiently put the fire out. 

I  want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,

to guard my every neighbor and protect his property.

And if according to my fate I am to lose my life, 

please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.

Photos from Past Communion Breakfasts