A long time volunteer fire fighter was honored by the Grass Valley Fire Department Friday. The bells tolling at the historic Reliance Station Hose Company on Race Street in Grass Valley where Tavio Battista volunteered for over 30 years. Grass Valley Battalion Chief Steve Smith talks about Battista.

Click here to litsen to Battalion Chief Steve Smith

While waiting for the signal to begin tolling the bell, retired Fire Chief Tom Browning regaled several high ranking fire fighters about Tavio… remembering one funny story in particular about the liquor cabinet in the station…Browning-mimicking Battista- placed a foot on a chair in the front of the meeting room and pointed at what was once the liquor cabinet….

Click here to litsen to Retired Chief Tom Browning

Chief Browning also remembers Tavio talking about the meaning of his name….Tavio….

Click here to litsen to Retired Chief Tom Browning

Tavio Battista served the Grass Valley Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years…He will be missed, and remembered fondly…

Click here to listen to bells toll twice

The bell tolled 92 times in Tavio Batista’s honor.