Since the beginning of the Greenfield Fire Department in 1922, there has been a group of individuals that have stood and stand behind the volunteer firemen and that group is their wives and girlfriends. For the Greenfield Fire Department, these are the “Firemates.”
Whether the pagers go off in the middle of the night, at a ballgame or at the supper table, the wives and girlfriends understand that the men have to rush off to handle the call, leaving them to finish the task at hand.
One prime example is that the fire department was scheduled to have their annual awards banquet one recent Saturday evening. Most everyone was at the station as they were going to have pictures taken, then have supper and awards to follow. As they were about ready for pictures, the pagers went off and the firemen responded to a structure fire. Therefore, the firemates were left to finish with the meal preparation and wait for the men to return before the evening events continued. And of course,pictures had to be rescheduled.
Through the years, the firemates have been there to support the firemen, whether it’s helping with their annual fundraiser, serving hot dogs and treats at the annual Halloween Party, delivering water and food to the men while they’re fighting a fire, or to be a sounding board or source of comfort when they come home from a bad fire or accident.
A volunteer firefighter is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Having a volunteer firefighter in your life means adjustments, sacrifices and worry, but it also means family, pride and fulfillment.
The current firemates would like to say “thank you” to all of the past firemates for their dedication, leadership and support throughout the years.
