We can all say "thanks" to the Volunteer firemen who weathered the sub zero temps the other night when fire broke out at Carlisle Radio and TV.
And we can be mighty proud of the Volunteer fireman.
He doesn't receive any pay and I doubt you could say there's any glory to getting up at 2:30 a.m., and fighting a fire as the water freezes on his coat.
When the alarm was sounded for the garage fire at the Baucke home and for the Carlisle, Bremer Insurance and Ehmke's Place all in the same week, the Volunteers answered the call.
We're a pretty fortunate town.
We're going to have a brand spanking new facility in the coming months for the fire-rescue crews and equipment. And we would be remiss m our duty as citizens if we didn't put in a plug for the firemen and for what they need in the way of equipment.
For the record.
Nebraska City Volunteers actually operate two separate departments under two separate administrations and all in one building.
A few years ago the Nebraska City Rural Fire Department was organized and a tax levied. Here's what you own:
— 1952 six by six (Army surplus) with a 1,000 gallon tank.
— 1952 Jeep (obtained through the U.S. Forestry Department) with a 75 gallon tank.
— 1965 Ford 500 gallon pumper, with a 1,000 portable (canvas) tank.
-- 1970 Dodge rig with a 225 gallon tank (brush fire fighting equipment).
The Rural Department is not through yet — The wheels are turning to acquire a 1,000 to 1,500 gallon new tanker. Details are not yet complete. Among the problems which must be considered in rural fire fighting is getting equipment that is not too heavy for bridges.
And now comes the Nebraska City Volunteer Department:
— 1926 Seagrave pumper with a 125 gallon tank (the tank is not used anymore).
-- 1938 Seagrave pumper with a 125 gallon tank.
— 1961 Seagrave pumper with a 300 gallon tank.
— And the City flusher 1969 Ford which carries 1,500 gallons of water and doubles on many fire fighting calls.
I wouldn't take a guess at the dollar value of the pumpers and equipment. But I do remember the 1961 pumper. It cost $25,000 and at the moment, it's the hottest thing on wheels in the City department.
And now, what's ahead?
Nebraska City Volunteers have a committee already working on specifications for a ladder truck. That's the rig so many people are always saying, "why doesn't Nebraska City have one of those".
Well, Nebraska City IS going to have one of those rigs, and we understand part of the reason for the delay has been where to park the thing.
"It's too big to park at City Hall," one fireman said. That building is now loaded with the present City and rural rigs (the rural rigs are used in City fires in emergencies) and the two rescue units.
Firemen are looking forward to the new building and the ladder truck.
The cost? That's a dilly. It depends on what fits the City.
The dollars range from $45,000 to $125,000, a far piece from the cost of the 1961pumper.
Meanwhile, back on the ice skating rink . . . er Central Avenue the other morning . . .
Fire Chief Otto Berthold's face was turning blue from the cold and so where the exposed faces of the other volunteers. When they got caught in a spray of water, it was only a few seconds before they were covered with a glaze of ice.
Joy Thornhill, City inspector, said one of the most foolish things he ever did as young man was to volunteer to help fight fires. "I just wasn't smart enough to stay away".
What do firemen do after fighting a fire in such cold?
"I sat in the bathtub a half hour trying to thaw out."
"I stood in the shower until all the hot water was used up in the tank."
"I didn't bother to go back to bed. I had to be at work by 7 a.m."
Nebraska City has three paid firemen. They are Ken Wiles, Jim Chaney and Butch Rains. When the fire alarm comes into the station, they notify volunteers by telephone, flipped the siren switch and drive the pumper to the scene.
We've talked with a lot of firemen at the station, and on the scenes in day and night hours. They've always been cooperative and concerned about the jobs they are doing.
And since Pete Dillman retired, the language at the station has toned down so much that it's almost a shock to hear Ken Wiles say "dang it anyway" when he drops a pipe wrench on his big toe.
Well, so much for the bouquets.
John Ehmke said he'd give the firemen the keg of beer in the tavern if they could get it out. We never did hear the outcome, but we'll wager that John's goodwill to the department will end up in the form of suds at some time or another.