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Hot Springs Fire and Rescue staff honored
BY MARGO OXENDINE • STAFF WRITER
 | | Officers of the Hot Springs Fire Department were sworn in Saturday night by John Zeke, honorary member and instructor with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. From left in front are chaplain Hugh Hite, lieutenant Lee Church, captain Greg Pritt, and vice president Clifford Williams. From left in back row are assistant chief George Tidd, chief Robbie Chestnut, secretary/treasurer Jay Bryan, Hot Springs Fire and Rescue Association president Mac Bird and Zeke. Not pictured are training officer Doug Durrette and engineer Robbie Weaver. (Recorder photo by Margo Oxendine) |
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HOT SPRINGS - They're there when you need them.
Whether it's a flue fire, a severed tendon, a fall, or a brush-burn gone badly awry, the Hot Springs Fire and Rescue Association is as close as your phone. If you're lucky, a fireman or rescue squad medic is your next-door neighbor. There is a certain comfort and security in knowing that.
One encounters fire and/or rescue personnel everywhere during everyday travels. Chances are, though, not many think to thank them.
 | | The Hot Springs Fire and Rescue Auxiliary officers were sworn in Saturday night by John Zeke, an honorary Hot Springs member, and instructor with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Pictured from left are secretary Reba Cammock, treasurer Sue Ailstock, president Olivia Peery, vice president Brenda Robertson, Hot Springs Fire and Rescue Association president Mac Bird, auxiliary president emeritus Helen McAllister and Zeke. |
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A stranger who passed by the Hot Springs firehouse last Saturday night might have wondered what could draw out so many people. A peek through the door would have shown about 150, maybe more, folks having a good time laughing and talking, eating charbroiled tenderloins, snacking on fresh, fat shrimp, spooning creamy French vanilla ice cream onto lemon pound cake with peaches.
The fire and rescue association was enjoying its annual officers' installation and awards banquet, a well-deserved feast for those who put aside their comforts every day to risk life and limb helping their fellow citizens. And they do it all for nothing; every man and woman who studies long and hard does their duty voluntarily.
 | | Officers of the Hot Springs Rescue Squad were inducted Saturday night by David Cullen, executive director of the Central Shenandoah EMS Council. From left are Treasurer Robbie Kershner, Quartermaster Teresa Miller, Lieutenant Kim Brown Alexander, Chief Mike Spurgeon, Hot Springs Fire & Rescue Association president Mac Bird, Vice-president Perlista Henry, and Cullen. Not pictured, Captain Kevin Fry, Secretary Cindy Fry, Chaplain Will Fry and Training Officer Buddy McLaughlin. |
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Take Mike Spurgeon, for instance. He works at the courthouse and, most afternoons, can be seen jogging along the highway. Chances are, if you had the misfortune to need the Hot Springs Rescue Squad anytime in the last few years, Mike was one of those who answered your plea for help. He was awarded Saturday night with the squad's "Man-Miles" award for answering the most calls: 63 percent.
Many folks know Doug Durrette. He's much more than "Mr. Claire Collins." The friendly, always-smiling fellow has a serious side: He's also the fire department's training officer. He, too, was applauded Saturday, earning "Fireman of the Year" honors.
And then, there's Kevin Fry. Who doesn't know Kevin, and his extensive and extended family? Kevin and his wife, Cindy, are officers in the rescue squad; he's the captain, she's the secretary. Their son, Will, is chaplain. Their sonin law Lee Church, married to daughter Sarah, is a lieutenant in the fire department. Kevin and Cindy were unable to attend the banquet Saturday; they unfortunately missed the applause when Kevin was announced as the winner of yet another "Man-Miles" award, for answering 53 percent of the calls.
Two charter members of the association received special recognition during the banquet: Arthur McMullen and his wife, Dorothy, enjoyed the meal with their son, Greg; Julian Griffin attended with his wife, Dicie, and son, Mark. Most of the "old guard" are gone now; the passing of charter member Walter Failes a few months ago was noted with sadness. And, the countless good deeds and friendship of Ed McAllister and Mickey Robertson are still talked about, and greatly missed.
In tribute to its founders, and other members who have passed away, a lovely table dressed with china, crystal and silver was set at the back of the room. Spurgeon, chief of the rescue squad, led the memorial service with a minute of silence.
During a break in the action of swearing in officers of both facets of the association, and its auxiliary, fireman John Wright, well-known for his work with the Virginia Department of Forestry, stood. Most, knowing Wright's sense of humor, expected a few witticisms of some sort; but no. Wright noted that, two weeks ago on a windy Sunday, there were 348 fires in the state of Virginia, burning about 16,000 acres. This astounding figure breaks the old record - 88 - of fires across the state in a single day.
"You guys did some stupid stuff that day," Wright announced. "You jumped in front of the fire and fought it with everything you had, and I want to thank you for what you did. You need to pat yourselves on the back, and recognize the great service you did."
No one broke an arm patting themselves on the back. Some shrugged; they knew they'd all just been doing their self-appointed, volunteer duty: protecting people and property.
A slide show presented by Spurgeon capped off the evening. It included a photo of what might have been the first rescue vehicle the squad had, way back in 1964. There was a great picture of former Chief Ed McAllister, holding a brightly-painted ceremonial ax, presented on the occasion of his retirement. And, if one looked closely, yes - that was Mickey Robertson, grinning, standing near the firehall kitchen.
The more contemporary photos showed current members picnicking, frolicking, barbecuing, cradling newborn babies, even playing paintball. Yes, this is a fire and rescue department that knows how to enjoy themselves.
Perhaps one of the most enjoyable days, though, didn't happen at a recreation area. Last fall, right there at the firehouse, a crowd of kindergarten and first-grade kids came in for a look-see. They had a snack, put on their complimentary fire helmets - surely a treasure - and watched the firemen do what firemen do: climb ladders, oh, so very high; handle the high-pressure firehoses; drive the big, red truck and sound the sirens. They also learned the most important thing a kid can learn: How to Stop, Drop and Roll.
The kids and their teachers probably sent adorable, handprinted thank-you notes. And, when you consider all the volunteer fire and rescue personnel do for their community - from saving lives and homes, to putting on the popular Christmas Parade - thanking them seems the least anyone might do.
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