Milton Memories – October 3, 2013

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By Susie Spitler

For the Record Herald; Printed 10.13.13

WEST MILTON – The latest Milton Memories (Reflections) was held Oct. 3. The panel was made up of West Milton Fire Fighters of various ages.

Bill Jay led the discussion. His dad was on the fire department in the 1930s. They had two trucks, one city and one rural. All the volunteers couldn’t get on the truck, so they took private cars to the site. He and his cousin would jump in the back seat so when his dad jumped in to take off, they got a ride to the fire. They had no pumper, so were limited to 500 gallons of water. When it was gone there wasn’t any more.

The first priority for a barn fire was to remove the livestock. If it was a house, they began to carry out whatever furniture they could save. At that time, you had to be 21 to be a volunteer. In 1951, Jay was drafted during the Korean Was. He joined the department when he returned.

Clarence “Fuzzy” Haney joined in 1962. He mentioned the biggest change he has seen is their safety gear. When he started, they had three gas masks for 29 firemen; today each man has his own.

Bob Adams joined in 1973. “Fuzzy” signed his application and mentored him. When he joined, there was no fire school. They did in-house training. Now all are well trained. The biggest fires on his watch were Mr. Deal’s and Valor, on Hamilton Street.

Denny Frantz joined in 1969. By then they had lowered the age limit. He had just graduated and was the first 19-year-old to join. His dad was a member of the force and served as captain for many years. Frantz recalled the rubber raincoats and boots they had. At the Lowry farmhouse fire, the fellows’ boots got so hot they ran the hose into them to cool their feet.

The by-laws state how many members the fire department can have. They currently have 35 members and always have a waiting list. Part of training is to learn to fry waffles.

When Frantz joined, a new fire truck was $63,000. Now an engine can run from $230,000 to $240,000. They

strive to have the best gear for their men.

Bill Grilliot joined in 1982. His company manufactured and sold fire uniforms across the nation and around the world. He has admired the West Milton Department for being on the cutting edge of safety. As an example, they changed to bunker pants in 1983 or 84. New York City did not make this change until 1994. Also, Milton firefighters no longer ride the trail bar on the truck. Today they are in the cab with seat belts. Grilliot said the proper equipment helps to fight fires faster and save lives and property.

Tod Lakes joined in 1988. He thanked those who set the groundwork for the present department. He also thanked his family for the sacrifices they have made over the years so he could be a part of the department. He cited how important their training in self rescue tactics is. His biggest fires have been Mr. Deal’s and Valor. At the valor fire, their water was freezing on the street and on their uniforms. They were thankful for the neighbor who had a kerosene heater in his garage so they could warm up.

Ben Herron joined in 1985 and appreciated the strong core of veteran members. He joined with a group of six, and two of them are still serving. He has held most all offices through the years. He always wanted to be a fireman but his eyesight kept him from being able to make it a full time career. He now sees being a volunteer turned out to be best for him. He enjoys helping people and appreciates the brotherhood. They depend on each other to survive to go home, which creates a special bond.

In general discussion: Grilliot mentioned that his company modified thermal imaging cameras to fit helmets; when a person calls 911 they are comforted by the men being there and that they are people that they know; the sadness at losing their mentors; training gets harder every year; and how sad it is to go on calls where you can’t help because things are too far gone.

Also discussed were the Firemen’s Conventions, the Pension Fund, building construction of the past, snow removal around hydrants, waffle project, their dive team (two boats and six to seven divers), where they have been called to do search and rescue, and many other topics.

To hear the full recording tune in to Channel 5, purchase a DVD, borrow a DVD from the library, or listen to it on YouTube. For further information, call Barb at (937) 687-6559 or Susie at (937) 698-798.

The next session is at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7 and the topic will be veterans.

 

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