On Friday, July 19th, IBEW 1245 members celebrating year of service gathered for the annual event at the Peppermill Hotel in Reno, NV.
IBW 1245 Business Representative Adam Weber welcomed members, their families, staff and introduced Business Manager Bob Dean.
“Tonight is a celebration of the many years of work each of you has given to the craft,” said Dean.
Eighteen members received service awards. Three members – Tom Bird, Percy “Smiley” Stahl, and Kenneth Bruce — marked fifty years of service.
50 year members; front row; l-r; Tom Bird, Percy Stahl, and Kenneth Bruce. Back row; Business Manager Bob Dean, President Cecelia de la Torre and executive Board Member Scott Huddleson.
Brother Bruce shared his gratitude to the IBEW for giving him the ability to support his wife and six children over the course of his career.
Brother Bird – also known as T-Bird – who retired in 2009, recalled, “IBEW 1245 gave me a career that supported my family with a good income and now gives my wife and me a comfortable retirement. That comfortable retirement was almost stricken down when the last regime ad NV Energy tried to raid our health benefits … and force additional expenses on retirees. If it was not for IBEW Local 1245 … and fighting back, we would not be in the position we are in today. We are stronger today than when I retired because of our unity,” said Bird. He added, “Remember, nothing is ever final and know that you may need to hit the streets to rally for yourself, even in retirement! Being a union member is a lifelong responsibility for each of us to protect.”
Tom Bird addressing the room.
To cap the evening, Brother Dean and the Executive Board recognized IBEW 1245’s photographer, John Storey, presenting him with a plaque that read, “For 13 years John Storey has captured the heart and soul of the men and women of IBEW 1245, our trade & our spirit through photos.” Storey, an award-winning photographer, has traversed California and Nevada documenting our members at work, and at the range of union activities, including trainings, mobilizations, rodeos, and including sports tournaments.
John Storey with the Executive Board. Photo taken by Cisco Ferreyra.
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5 year members; back row; l-r;: Business Manager Bob Dean, Joshua Enriquez, President Cecelia de la Torre and James Buff Jr. Front row; Carter Forsmark, Britney, Morris and Casey Forsmark.
10 year members, L to R; Business Manager Bob Dean, Linda Pendleton, Lisa Swartz and President Cecelia de la Torre.
20 year members; back row; President Cecelia de la Torre, Neal McIntyre II and Business Manager Bob Dean.
Front row; John Dyer, Ryan Morris and Kim Boldi.
40 year members; front row; l-r;; Jeffrey Turk, Curt Walsh, and Reto Gross. Back row; President Cecelia de la Torre & Business Manager Bob Dean.
45 year member; President Cecelia de la Torre, Darel Epper and Business Manager Bob Dean.