Tri-Valley City Councils to Compete in Bucket Brigade Competition

By Bay City News--

Past and present Pleasanton fire personnel will gather this evening to discuss their experiences at a forum that is part of a month-long celebration of firefighters.

Hosted by Museum on Main, "An Evening with Pleasanton Firefighters" is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Firehouse Arts Center at 4444 Railroad Ave.

Retired fire Chief George Withers, current fire Chief Jim Miguel and Fire Marshal Scott Deaver of the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department will share stories while on the job throughout the years.

They will also discuss the 1969 Castlewood Country Club fire, which burned "The Hacienda," a 53-room mansion owned by Phoebe Hearst, mother of publisher William Randolph Hearst, Museum on Main Education Director Jennifer Amiel said.

Amiel said Withers was one of the firefighters who helped put out the blaze.

The month-long celebration coincides with special exhibit titled "Courage Under Fire" will be on display at Museum on Main until Oct. 13.

[Related article: Livermore Pleasanton Fire Department Celebrated in August]

The exhibit features photographs and artifacts from the Pleasanton Fire Department's formation in 1888 to today.

On Saturday a "Fireman's Muster" reunion will be held for the first time since 1975.

The "muster" was an annual event that began in 1969 that coincided with the 75th anniversary of Pleasanton's incorporation, Amiel said.

The celebration kicks off with an 8 a.m. pancake breakfast at Museum on Main hosted by the Livermore-Pleasanton Firefighters Foundation.

The day will also include a water shooting competition with fire trucks, Amiel said.

Firefighters will set up in front of Museum on Main and aim for a cone that will placed about 300 feet down the street near the old Round Table Pizza, she said.

Antique and modern fire apparatus and equipment will be also be on display, Amiel said.

The muster will also include a bucket brigade competition where teams of five will pass a bucket filled with water.

The Pleasanton City Council will also participate in the competition at 2 p.m. The city has also challenged city councils in Danville, San Ramon, Dublin and Livermore to compete against their team.

Through the celebration Amiel said she hopes it will "bridge the community together to appreciate these local heroes."

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