80 For the Chief - Essex
Our geocaching family consists of the matriarch, Grandma Ethel, and two of her sons, JCoke24 and Sought & Found. We have been known to take other members of the family on geocaching runs, but the rest of the family has not been quite as involved as us. The patriarch comes along on occasion, and is often helpful with finding caches. We have nicknamed him Eagle Eye John, and have mentioned him in a number of "Found It" logs. The "Chief" part of the cache name is because he was Chief of Essex Fire Engine Company #1 in Essex, CT. It is the oldest volunteer fire department in Connecticut, and it began in 1833.
The first “80 for the chief” cache was placed near John’s winter home in Florida. We decided that we should also place caches in Essex, where he was chief, before he reaches his 81st birthday. Thank you for your service to our community, Chief!
The headquarters of Essex Fire Engine Company #1 was located on Prospect Street in Essex from 1897 until 1999 when it moved to its current location on Saybrook Road in Essex.
The hide is recognizable as something associated with fire service. Good luck and enjoy.
80 For the Chief: The first cache was hidden near their winter home in Florida.
80 For the Chief - Ivoryton: Hidden near the Ivoryton firestation.
80 For the Chief - Essex: Hidden near the Essex firestation.
Congratulations to _docburch__ who sought and was FTF 80 For the Chief - Essex!
Addendum. Signal 80 for fire departments in the Valley Shore area of Connecticut means, "Off the Air." Chief John passed away on March 4, 2022 at which time he gave his final Signal 80.