By Beth Brelje

Pocono Record Writer

April 08, 2010

STROUDSBURG — The torch was reluctantly passed to a new fire chief Wednesday during a ceremony at the Stroudsburg Borough Council meeting.

Longtime Stroudsburg Volunteer Fire Company Chief Clement "Butch" Kochanski died in October from a sudden heart attack.

Out of respect, the department left Kochanski's name as chief until the end of his last three-year term. He served the department for 36 years, 17 as chief.

His widow, Stroudsburg Councilwoman Joanne Kochanski, was given a plaque with the chief's badges from the fire company and another from the borough, along with several moving speeches.

Rep. Mario Scavello, R-176, presented Kochanski with a special citation of recognition from the Pennsylvania House or Representatives.

With a raised white-gloved hand, Todd Martin was led through the swearing in ceremony by Mayor Charles Baughman, and then Joann Kochanski pinned the chief pin on his blazer.

Monroe County Sherriff Todd Martin is a 30-year member of the company and was assistant chief before being named fire chief.

Also sworn in to new positions were Mike Seip, first assistant chief, and John Stevens, second assistant chief.

"Butch was a close friend and mentor. We are here for Joanne and will continue to be here for her, although we were not sure we would be here tonight," Martin said.

Firefighters responded to two fire calls just before the ceremony.

Martin's public battle with cancer came up in the interview process. In 2004, he was diagnosed with a rare form of bone marrow cancer, multiple myeloma, and given only two months to live.

But Martin battles cancer like he battles fires, refusing to give up when the heat is on. Stem cell therapy and chemotherapy slowed the illness.

The fire company keeps his mind busy. "When I feel like crud, I go down to the firehouse and get stuff done," Martin said.

He has inherited a candy dish on the chief's desk that belonged to Butch Kochanski. It will likely stay there for the children that he enjoyed teasing and treating with a sweet.

Joanne Kochanski gave teddy bears with firehouse patches sewn on to the three who were sworn, saying, "When someone goes to heaven, it's awful hard to bear," but Butch will be "watching over you with care that will never end."