Firefighters Bertram Sparrow and William Travers Honored at Testimonial Banquet
Two of Norwood’s most respected firefighters—Bertram Sparrow and William Travers—were honored last Thursday night at a testimonial banquet held inside the Norwood Fire Station, where nearly 300 friends, colleagues, and family members gathered to pay tribute to the newly retired veterans of the department.
To make room for the celebration, the fire apparatus was rolled out onto Central Street, transforming the station floor into a banquet hall. A Holman‑catered chicken pie dinner was served, and the atmosphere throughout the evening was one of gratitude, camaraderie, and deep appreciation for decades of dedicated service.
Honors and Presentations
Senior Fireman Francis Hayes, speaking on behalf of the assembled guests, presented both retirees with purses of money, a traditional gesture of esteem from their fellow firefighters and friends.
Fire Chief Alonzo N. Earle followed with the presentation of gold firemen’s badges, marking their honorable retirement from active duty.
A Night of Laughter and Music
The evening’s master of ceremonies was the ever‑genial Gene Charron, whose lively humor and quick wit kept the large audience in high spirits from start to finish.
Entertainment was plentiful and varied:
- An orchestral group from Norwood High School provided musical selections.
- Vocal performances were offered by Hazel Grennan and Gail Riley.
- Bobby Pearl, described as a “miniature song and dance man,” delighted the crowd.
- John Griffin and William Travers, Jr.—son of the honoree—sang several numbers.
- Tom Rice amused the audience with selections played on the “sweet potato,” a nickname for the ocarina.
Dignitaries Offer Praise
Several distinguished guests stepped forward to offer remarks honoring the careers and character of the two retirees:
- Rev. Christopher P. Griffin
- Bishop‑Designate Jeremiah F. Minihan
- Alec Abdallah
- Harry Butters
- Town Clerk Walter Blasenak
Each speaker reflected on the professionalism, courage, and community spirit that defined the service of both Sparrow and Travers.
Family Pride and Absent Loved Ones
Seated at the head table were:
- Mr. and Mrs. Bertram Sparrow
- Gene Charron, toastmaster
- Rev. Christopher P. Griffin
- Mr. and Mrs. William Travers and their daughter Mary
Two members of the Travers family were unable to attend: Mrs. Jean Mogk, their daughter, now living in Puerto Rico, and Teddy Travers, serving with the armed forces in Korea.
A Fitting Tribute
The evening stood as a heartfelt tribute to two men whose years of service helped safeguard the town and strengthen the Norwood Fire Department. Surrounded by friends, family, and fellow firefighters, Bertram Sparrow and William Travers were honored not only for their long careers, but for the loyalty, courage, and good humor they brought to the firehouse and to the community they served.
Norwood Messenger
Text and images may have been created, edited, colorized, or digitally restored using AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini. All content is reviewed for accuracy and historical integrity before publication by the Norwood Historical Society
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