On the heels of a year of significant company growth and change, Kochek co-owners and brothers, Greg and Charlie Kozey, recently announced organizational changes in the company.

Company founder Greg Kozey stated, “After a great deal of discussion and thoughtful consideration, we have decided the time has come to transition our responsibilities. Charlie and I will concentrate on building relationships with our valued customers. We will be traveling the world developing new relationships and reestablishing communication with old friends.”

Co-owner Charlie Kozey added, “We are confident the timing is right for this transition and the company is well-poised for continued growth. As part of the transition, Dan Olm will be assuming the role of President and CEO while overseeing the day to day management of Kochek. We are confident the Kochek team has never been stronger and better-positioned to move the company forward.”

Greg is optimistic about the major transitions that have precipitated this announcement. “We are in the midst of an unprecedented period of change and growth,” he said. “When we founded the company in 1988, we had no idea it would emerge as one of the nation’s leading manufacturers in the fire equipment and water movement industries. The increasing demand for our products and services has dictated an aggressive growth strategy. Thanks to private investors, we are moving forward, improving our operational infrastructure and processes. “

Greg Kozey reflected, “We are deeply grateful to every person in our staff as well as our dedicated network of dealers and partners who have helped make this great company what it is today. Together, we will continue to move Kochek to new heights.”

More: https://www.kochek.com/

The Charleston (WV) Fire Department announced the passing of Captain (Ret.) Matt Jackson, who died earlier this week.

Captain Jackson was a firefighter, leutenant, captain, training officer, and mentor to many throughout the fire service here in the state and beyond. Captain Jackson was highly respected by his peers and everyone in and connected to the fire service throughout West Virginia. He was the consummate firefighter and instructor.

Captain Jackson held many honorary lifetime memberships to fire departments throughout the state. He was honored as a Distinguished West Virginian twice (1981 and 1985). In 1981, he was named the International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) Instructor of the Year. He was appointed to Charleston Firefighter’s Civil Service Commission.

The legacy that Captain Jackson leaves behind will not only inspire those he mentored, trained, and touched, but many first responders and fire service members statewide, for years to come. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral arrangements for Captain Matthew Jackson have been set for September 10th, 2016 at the Charleston Civic Center’s Little Theater. Visitation will be from 10am to 1pm with the funeral beginning at 1pm. A procession to the Montgomery Memorial Gardens for Captain Jackson’s final rest will take place after the service.

Anyone wishing to bring a fire apparatus is asked to contact Bradley “Sparky” Scott (304) 206-7431 or Scott Holmes (304) 545-6976.

At the family’s request in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Junior Firefighter Camp at the WVU Fire Service Extension in memory of Matt Jackson.

A Seattle landlord has a cautionary tale about a household product that could pose a fire danger. Karen Lucht was fixing up one of her rental properties on Capitol Hill when she smelled something coming from the laundry room in the basement. “There was no smoke, there weren't any flames but there was something in the air,” she said.
- PUB DATE: 9/2/2016 9:46:45 AM - SOURCE: Northwest Cable News