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They gave us a place to practice when we had none. In honor of, and respect for the heroic membership of the Athens Township Volunteer Fire Company, we call ourselves Department 24 to remind all that these firefighters are there when it counts the most. 24-7 in the worst weather and in hazardous conditions, they volunteer their services, putting their lives on the line to help YOU.  May the angels watch over them always.

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      Bob's Honda              A Firefighter laid to rest

A Grim Search

Fire Safety and Education

 

 

Department 24 (not affiliated with the ATVFC) is a cover band consisting of  five members with remarkable talent and over 100 years of combined experience in making music. In this endeavor, the band decided first and foremost that they are going to have just as much fun as those they are there to entertain. They are going to do only the tunes that went way up the charts; those that everyone knows that bring them out to the dance floor.  They are not going to stand motionless on a stage and make it an "us and them" thing: They will take the music right to the place where it brings people to their feet and gets them dancing. (Ummm... The bass player might even be wandering the dance floor, or parked at a guest table playing bass while just hangin' with everyone. (Dad has a full 6-pack, but lacks the plastic thing that holds it together.)  Great music from humble folks: We are Department 24.
 

The Lineup

 

Jess1.jpg (128248 bytes) Jessica Degarmo - Lead Vocals, Front Man, and Player of Things That Make Fitting Noise:  Jess is a full-time wife, mother, insurance broker/branch manager, self proclaimed spoiled brat, and if that isn't already enough, she tops it off by being a part-time college student majoring in business.  "I enjoy being right, having fun, and spending time with my family.  My favorite word is *Choices*."  Keep up with Jess' adventures by visiting her blog! Click here! -->

 

Rick1.jpg (9348 bytes) Rick Vischansky - Lead Guitar, vocals:  An extraordinary talent, Rick  spins out leads so true that one might think like he wrote them himself.  Long story short, the man just wails!  Les Paul himself would take pride knowing that Rick prefers the namesake axe.

Rick offers up a quick autobio:  "I was born in and grew up in Towanda, class of 1982. I have worked for a number of companies over the years, mostly in retail.  I started playing guitar and bass in 1978. I like to play rock music, and have played bass in Antix, Keeper, Revolver, Elmer's Helmet, and most recently, Bridge Street. Played occasional guitar in Elmer's Helmet and Bridge Street. I like collecting old electronics and records." 

As testament to his talents, click here  to listen to "White Room".  On drums - Rick Vischansky.  On bass - Rick Vischansky.  On rhythm guitar - Rick Vischansky.  On Lead guitar - Rick Vischansky.  Okay...  I think you're getting the drift of this...

 

Jared1.jpg (59532 bytes) Jared Heath - Drums, (pushing him into) vocals:  To say that Jared is an exceptionally accomplished percussionist is seriously understating his abilities.  He has formally studied his art for many years and Department 24 is very pleased to have him onboard.  Jared is arguably the best drummer this area has seen in many years.  

Jared is the precision timepiece that keeps the band together song after song.   His ability to lay down signature drum lines is exceptional.   It is to his beat that all shall dance.

 

Dad1.jpg (88426 bytes) "Dad" Campbell - Bass.  Ah yes.  And then there's Dad.  The group geezer and another refugee from Bridge Street.  He is  The undisputed "King of Recliner Rockers"... or is that of rocker recliners?  Dad does have a full 6-pack, but sometimes his band mates think he is definitely lacking the plastic thing that holds it all together.

Dad just kept hanging around outside the place when they had practices, pressing his nose against the glass and making faces at everyone.  They eventually let him in, gave him a donut, and the rest is, as they say, history.   And yes, he really does eat peanut butter, mustard, horseradish, and garlic sandwiches....on whole wheat, of course.

Dad is in it to entertain you as are his band mates.  Even more, he "Sprinkle(s) a bit of whimsy on everything.", as he calls it.  Put a guitar in his hands and he magically transforms from his normally reserved and quiet self into the class clown.   At times, he will get out and mingle with people out on the dance floor and even join folks at their tables all the while banging out those foundation basslines.  

 

Department 24 Alumni

Steve1.jpg (34406 bytes) Steve Latimer - Rhythm & synth guitar, harmonica, vocals:   Steve was a co-founder of Department 24.  His good nature and masterful talent will be dearly missed.  Steve's genius with the Goden synth helped shape Department 24's sound and his legacy will carry on.  

Steve is a deeply religious man and has chosen to answer a higher calling.  He now devotes his music to praise of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Though unfortunate for all of us that know and love Steve and his family, the Latimers will be relocating to North Carolina in the not too distant future.  We wish Steve all the best and yes, we're still the best of friends.

 

 

 

 

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Revised: July 18, 2010 .