By Abigail W. Adams
Whitefield Fire and Rescue members pose for a picture Monday, May 11, during an event organized by the Women of Whitefield to honor the department for their service during a difficult winter. (Abigail Adams photo) |
The volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians of Whitefield Fire and Rescue were honored by their community Monday, May 11. The 22 men and women in the department were recognized for their commitment, perseverance, and service, especially after the events of Jan. 27 to Feb. 3, when the department battled four structure fires within seven days in subzero temperatures.
The event was organized by the Women of Whitefield, a grass-roots organization with a focus on community service. The Women of Whitefield held a similar event for the department after the Christmas of 2013 when volunteers spent the entire day responding to a marathon of calls, which included containing a fire that could have transformed into a structure fire had it not been for a quick response, and resuscitating an elderly couple with carbon monoxide poisoning.
Originally scheduled for March, the event was postponed due to the untimely death of Whitefield Fire and Rescue Lt. David James Mason. Recognition of the department’s performance took a back seat as Whitefield Fire and Rescue organized funeral services for Mason and said goodbye, in keeping with the firefighter tradition, to one of their own.
The members of Whitefield Fire and Rescue gathered on May 11 to receive commendations for their service over a trying winter and their dedication and professionalism despite the issues experienced by volunteer fire departments across the state.
Selectman Frank Ober presented a framed letter, signed by the Whitefield selectmen, to Chief Scott Higgins recognizing the department for its service.
“It is difficult to put into words our appreciation for your dedication to the Whitefield Fire and Rescue Department and to our community. Your actions have proven that,” the selectmen said in the letter.
Prior to presenting the letter, Ober spoke of the incredible time commitment and wealth of knowledge required of volunteer firefighters and first responders. He also touched on the issues of recruitment and retention experienced by volunteer departments throughout the state.
“As part of the planning done by our fire and rescue service, our officers have implemented procedures to address the difficulties of short staffing … and to utilize the crews to best advantage,” Ober said.
Through Whitefield Fire and Rescue, the town benefits from a local emergency response without having to bear the budgetary burden of a full-time department, Ober said. “Our most valuable resource is our firefighting crew,” he said.
Whitefield Fire and Rescue became a municipal department approximately five years ago. The central station, in North Whitefield, is supported by the Coopers Mills and Kings Mills satellite stations. In 2014 alone, the department responded to 102 fire calls and 124 medical calls. The department’s operations budget is $91,000.
Tim Yorks is a third-generation firefighter with approximately 30 years of service to Whitefield’s volunteer fire department. His grandfather, Walter Yorks, was one of the founding members of the Coopers Mills Volunteer Fire Department. According to Tim Yorks, serving the community is a family value that has been passed down through the generations.
Jesse Barton has served as a volunteer firefighter since 2006, when he was a junior firefighter. His desire to serve the community has kept him on the department. “I enjoy doing it,” Barton said.
“I am proud of each and every one of you for helping your community and neighboring towns,” Higgins said to his crew. “God bless each of you; you’re the best.”
Higgins also extended his gratitude to Whitefield for their support of the department.
“What else could you want?” Ober said, noting municipal support for the station and the department’s equipment.
“People,” several members said in unison.
