After a fourteen month deployment in the Middle East,  Joe Bogdanski was welcomed home by his family friends and colleagues.

On Saturday, May 3rd, at a ceremony at the Northside Firehouse,  fire fighters paid tribute to Joe, his wife Sandy, and their daughter Sophie, for their sacrifice on our behalf.

In January 2007, Joe was activated for his second deployment for operation Iraqi freedom. He was deployed with nearly one-hundred Sea-bees from the 30th Naval Construction Regiment. Stationed in Kuwait, managing logistics and supplies, Joe's duties frequently brought him into Iraq on re-supply missions. The regiment provided critical construction for the Second Marine Expeditionary Force in support of operation Iraqi Freedom.

On January 27, 2007 his family, friends, fellow fire fighters and elected officials gathered at Northside, and watched as Joe's wife Sandy was lifted in the bucket of Truck 2, and placed a Blue Star Flag on a flag pole. The flag is flown as a symbol that you have a family member serving in a war. That flag has flown proudly at Northside until yesterday.

Once again, family, friends, colleagues and elected officials were in attendance as Joe, Sandy and Sophie went up in the bucket and took the flag down symbolizing his safe return home.

After the ceremony, everyone went down to the Union Hall and celebrated with a welcome home party.

With full hearts, much appreciation is extended to Joe, Sandy, and Sophie for their dedication and sacrifice during these last fourteen months of deployment.

Welcome Home Joe

View Photo Gallery of Ceremony