Holyoke, MA. — August 13 — Firefighter Mike Ortiz received the Badge 1 Shield from the Holyoke Fire Department. The active firefighter with the longest continuous service or greatest seniority was customarily awarded Badge 1. The chosen member held the honorary designation until they retired or were promoted, at which point it was transferred to the next qualified firefighter.

In appreciation of his tenure and seniority in the department, Ortiz was given the shield. The presentation carried on a long-standing fire service custom that used department badge assignments to honor seasoned firefighters. The distinction acknowledged the senior firefighters' experience and offered a clear link to the department's history and service.