Kids & Family

Brewster Fire Department Sees Reflection Area, Thanks to Eagle Scout Candidate

"I can't believe it's already done. I can't believe I made this happen."

Those were Andrew Gordon's words as he sat recently in the reflection area he designed and built outside the Brewster Fire Department (BFD) substation, at Route 312 and North Brewster Road.

Gordon, a junior at Brewster High School, is an Eagle Scout candidate. One of the requirements for reaching scouting's highest rank is a leadership service plan. The reflection area is Gordon's.

"I live right down the road, and I always think they could use something," Gordon said when asked how he chose the fire department. After speaking with members, he decided to go with a reflection area that would be dedicated to veterans and BFD members.

The site sits on a grassy piece of land below the parking lot. A gravel path and wooden stairs lead to a circle of patio pavers surrounded by miniature shrubs and three stone benches. Gordon drove to New Jersey to find ones that carried the fleur-de-lis symbol popular in scouting. 

The department is installing three flag poles nearby, one for the American flag, one for the POW/MIA flag and the other for the department flag. A plaque will finish off the area.

"Honestly, he could have done his Eagle Scout project anywhere," said Ken Clair, past chief and a current fire district commissioner. "We're very honored."

Gordon still has to go before the Board of Review before he receives the award. He said the planning process took a lot of time. He held a pasta fundraiser to help pay for the project. 

The actual installation—laying the gravel, placing the pavers, building the stairs—took place over a couple of weekends. He thanked the young scouts who lent a hand, and said it's connections like those that make scouting so special.

When he's not serving as junior assistant scoutmaster for Troop 1 Brewster, Gordon is busy keeping up with four Advanced Placement courses. He's also drum major for BHS marching band and president of the Spanish Club.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here