Photo by Judy Truesdell Firefighters Brandon Storm and Michael Ahlemeier enter the FBC Wylie Special Event Center with the colors as a piper from the Coppell Drum and Pipe Corps prepares to play “Danny Boy.

Spirit of volunteerism honored at commemorative banquet

By Judy Truesdell
Staff Writer

It was a night of reflecting on the past and looking toward the future as members and friends of Wylie Fire-Rescue met in the brand-new First Baptist Church Wylie Special Event Center for a banquet celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the department Saturday, Oct. 24.

The evening was co-emceed by Friends of Wylie Fire-Rescue President Wendell Daniel and Fire Chief Randy Corbin.

Daniel set the tone by quoting Gen. James H. Doolittle, who served in the Air Force in World War II, as having said, “There’s nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.”  The spirit of volunteerism, from the early days of the “Wylie fire boys,” to the citizens who support the current department, was celebrated.

Although emotions ran high as various firefighters and supporters were honored, there was a lighthearted element to the evening as well. Before Dr. Kris Segrest gave the invocation, he thanked the firefighters for their service and noted that he too was in the business of “seeking to snatch others from the flames.”

Firefighter James Brewster, on loan from the Coppell Drum and Pipe Corps, played as the newly formed WF-R Color Guard posted the colors. Audra Smith from Wylie High School sang the national anthem, and Corbin expressed gratitude to the city council, mayor, and “A team” of city officials for their support. He also thanked former Fire Chief Shan English and former City Manager Steve Norwood for their dreams and vision.



Also recognized was City Secretary Carole Ehrlich for her dedication to public art in Wylie and for facilitating the mosaic display that will soon be dedicated at Fire Station 3.

Corbin presented a plaque to Cheryl Smith, administrative support supervisor, for her many contributions to the department.

Many others were honored and recognized. For the motorcycle raffle tickets they sold at $50 each, Firefighter Billy Bradshaw and his wife Ellen were thanked and told that they had funded the dinners for everyone present; their sales represented 15 percent of the total, Daniel said, and he awarded them a $100 gift card to Bob’s Steak and Chop House.

When Corbin thanked spouses of fire-rescue personnel, the firefighters rose to their feet for a standing ovation. Corbin also thanked the members of the Friends of Wylie Fire-Rescue for raising the money and planning the event; in addition to Daniel, vice president is Tony Pulliam, treasurer is Anita Collins, and secretary is Ron Robinson. Attorney Debbie Mattern and Natalie Daniel were also thanked for their contribution.

The men and women of the evening were, however, firefighters, past and present. “They’re the people whose legacy we’re celebrating,” Corbin said. They were all presented with three gifts; a framed piece of art showing all Wylie fire stations, designed by Assistant Chief Noe Flores and signed by fire and city officials, commemorative coins, and yearbook-style books reflecting the 100-year history of the department.
Corbin thanked City Manager Mindy Manson and Human Resource Director Lynn Fagerstrom; the city of Wylie assisted in funding the coins and books so that all families present would receive one of each, and these two ladies “stepped up” to ensure the funding was there.



Representatives from Methodist Richardson Medical Center at Bush/Renner were on hand; Monica Vehige of the hospital had contacted Daniel, he said, and asked how they could contribute the evening’s festivities. They agreed to provide commemorative helmet shields and badges for all firefighters; these are to be worn for a year and then retired, Daniel said.

Mayor Eric Hogue gave a speech, sharing with those present some of the handwritten minutes of the city council in 1909 around the time of the formation of the all-volunteer fire department. These minutes included reference to the first fire pump, to be purchased from H.M. Minnis and mounted on a wagon. The first fire company officer, G.M. Gallagher, was appointed Aug. 4, 1909, and that same day, the council voted to exempt the “fire boys” from street tax. Hogue read about the purchase of two buckets and an axe and, in 1912, the first fire marshal, W.F. Duncan, was appointed and paid the attractive salary of $1 a month.

“Things sure have changed in the last 100 years,” the mayor said, “but Wylie Fire and Recue is still here serving the community. And while most people in the approximately 60 square miles of Southeast Collin County that our department covers will know them as the men and women who rushed to them in their time of need … I think of this group as a family, working together with dedication and commitment.

“ … I am proud and honored to be a part of this evening … as we look to the next 100 years of unquestionable service and unquestionable dedication.”

Manson spoke of her firm belief that to be effective in the here and now, one must appreciate what has come before. She said she was so pleased that the chronology of events was captured in the commemorative book, and noted the common thread of dedication that has existed through the years.

As attendees loaded their plates with fare provided by Ken Swayze’s Double Throw down Barbecue, an audio-visual presentation ran, showing pictures through the years of the department, all backed by “This is My Town,” a song Corbin said was purposefully chosen as a nod to the spirit of volunteerism in the department.

Service awards for 2008 were presented; Captain Cory Claborn won firefighter of the year, and Captain Jeff Scribner was named officer of the year.



Corbin was presented a silver firebell by Captain Katy Willoughby as a token of appreciation from the department.

Chief Ronny J. Coleman, in the character of Ben Franklin, was guest speaker. He presented a history of the department and urged those present to remember that they “stand on the shoulders of their predecessors.” Recalling Wylie-specific events such as the Mother’s Day tornado in 1992, he praised the department for its ISO-1 rating. “Only 50 out of 33,000 departments receive this dedication,” he said. He closed his presentation with a challenge that everyone should “finish better than your beginnings.”

Coleman drew the name of Russell Parker out of the more than 600 entries for the motorcycle specially designed by Lloyd Stennerson of V-Twin Solutions. Collins said later that Parker had purchased the very first ticket sold at her bank, American National.

Three cakes were cut – by Bob Moorman with a fire axe – as the evening ended. Provided by LaRosette Bakery, one was in the shape of a fire truck. Before pieces were served by members of the Wylie East National Honor Society, an emotional moment was shared. Shelly Holcomb, center supervisor for the Wylie Command Center, issued a special message over the radio that was broadcast into the event center: a charge to respond whenever and wherever help is needed … for the next 100 years.

“It starts here tonight,” she said.