(10/25) On the heels of last month’s article about the closing of the Graceham Volunteer Fire Company, it’s a pleasure this month to write an article about Rocky Ridge’s Volunteer Fire Company, one of the few remaining all volunteer fire companies in the county, celebrating its 75 year anniversary. And they did it with flare, as they always do!
The months of planning by a small but dedicated force was evident in every detail of the celebration. Upon entering the immaculate fire building, guests were escorted to the food and drinks table, where you were held captive until you partook in all the offerings on the table – especially one of the hundreds of mouthwatering cupcakes!
From there, everyone was encouraged to visit all the stations set up around the hall, including those for the sheriff’s office, the County’s "Gear Up" program, Rocky Ridge’s Auxiliary (who was selling their prized cookbook), and last but not least, the membership table, where the few residents of Rocky Ridge not already in the company were provided information on how they could join, or if unable to join, how they could support this awesome fire company.
But the highlight of the event, other than multiple returns to the cupcake table, were the keynote speeches. Dale Kline, president of the Company, recapped the history of the Company like only a life long member could - from the decision behind the need to form the Company, the purchase of its very first fire engine and the sounding of fire alarms in the days when there were only two working phones in the community to its sure but steady growth today.
Wayne Powell, the Vigilant Hose Company former president, spoke of the critical role Rocky Ridge has played over the years in protecting the citizens of the area and of its support of other community fire companies.
Chief Alan Hurley, a man of few words, only needed a few words to ensure everyone understood his appreciation for the selfless dedication of all the Company’s past and present members and the support the community has shown the Company.
Betty Ann Mumma, president of the Company Auxiliary, brought her usual self-deprecating sense of humor as she recounted how she decided 50 years ago to serve "a few years" in the Auxiliary "to help where I could, but only upon the condition that I would not get a title or an office. Well, those few short years turned into 50 years and in spite of my best efforts, I have a title and an office. But I also have so many, many memories."
Kline, in commenting on Mumma’s 50+ years of service, noted that the Company has had eight presidents and seven chiefs, but only one Auxiliary president. "Betty Ann and the Auxiliary are the glue that holds us together."
Last but not least, the future of the Company, its junior members, were ever-present. Where other companies count themselves lucky to have two or three juniors, Rocky Ridge boasts nine. Not surprising for a company where everyone is treated as family and valued members.
Bravo Zulu to the Rocky Ridge VFC, Bravo Zulu.
