Evergreen's shining achievement
GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News
Community support, cooperation and pride were all displayed by Evergreen residents during open house at Fire Station 81, Evergreen Fire Rescue.
Fire Chief Craig Williams is enthusiastic and thanks all for "great support, turn-out, and being behind us."
Those attending Saturday's open house included fascinated visitors from throughout the Flathead. There were wide-eyed children and very impressed adults.
Patriotic moments took place when honor guard from 163rd C Company (BFV), Missoula, raised the 20 x 15 American flag to fly from the top of the 70 -foot-high metal flag post. National Guardsmen participating were Pfc. Christensen, Pfc. Paskell, and Spc. Reese.
Just down Highway 2 East from the fire hall is a sign honoring the 163rd with highway designation. Flathead National Guardsmen from the 163rd were first to leave during World War II and served in the Pacific.
Surprise gift for the firemen was donated by Joyce Dye, Just Dessert bakery. Colorful, exact replica of a fire engine was baked and decorated by Joyce for the open house. It was displayed on the serving counter at the community room.
Large community room is available for individuals and groups. It is used for firemen's classes and includes a huge screen usable with computers. Procedures were explained but too technical for me.
Adults are dwarfed standing by functional, huge, colorful equipment. Three engines includes ladder truck with 75-foot ladder, water tender with 3,000-gallon capacity, equipment van, Ford pickup dubbed "wild one truck." There are eight bays designed with drive-through for equipment. There also two ambulances. I was fascinated with the 1929 white International truck with highly polished racks. It was refinished approximately 30 years ago and retired as a parade truck.
Recent acquisition is a red cart and hose reel donated just days before the open house. History of this unique equipment will be compiled.
Upstairs has nine bunk rooms, which are living quarters for EMT/firemen who stay at the fire hall with 24/7 schedules. Yes, there is a fire pole plus elevator and stairs.
Evergreen Fire District contains 23 square miles. There are 41 department members, which includes five women.
Statistics for 2009 displayed in the large office/receptionist area were impressive. Breakdown of 1,359 responses tabulated through December showed 83 fires, 90 motor vehicle, 254 were 911 transports, 267 showed as 911 non-transport, 63 inter-facility, 104 non-contract, 373 Pathways, and 121 described as other.
Evergreen residents met together in 1948 to start their volunteer fire department. It was incorporated in 1954. First fire hall was across the highway from the present facility.
Memorabilia collected through the years was displayed. These also honor deceased and former department members.
Officers in addition to Chief Williams are Dave Adams, assistant chief; Ben Covington, fire marshal; and Wayne Evert, assistant fire marshal.
Trustees are Jack Sallon, chairman; Chuck Warren, secretary-treasurer; Shawn Baker; Denise Cofer; and Julie Reid. It was another fire engine outing with daughters, Gail and Laurie.
Laurie, her daughter and grandson, Lanie and Cody Sandefer, and I toured a new fire hall in Carthage, N.Y., two years ago. Firemen were as proud of their new ladder truck as are Evergreen volunteers.
Next Gail and I were at a fire hall in Seattle. We were photographed standing next to the new fire engine. Did not see a ladder truck.
Becky and I toured one of the Billings fire stations. Their ladder truck was displayed outside with ladder extended.
Behind it all is our realization and respect for all firemen who risk lives daily to save communities and residents.
Gladys Shay is a longtime resident of Columbia Falls and a Hungry Horse News columnist.