Pick up any national publication and there is rarely a day that it doesn’t include stories of heroism and bravery from our public servants. This month, Southern Indiana celebrates the men and women who serve part of our community as firefighters who work and volunteer for the McCulloch Fire Department in Clark County.
The firefighters of the McCulloch Fire Department are Extra Milers because of the work they do to save lives and property, in addition to their passionate participation collecting donations for the Crusade for Children.
As my husband, Ken, and I were driving through Jeffersonville and dropping change in the Crusade buckets last month, we saw the McCulloch Department going the extra mile to raise money for the children. Ten firefighters (and family) were accepting Crusade donations for washing vehicles.
As our car was being washed, the firefighters joked happily with one another as if they were family. It occurred to me that all of the firefighters were volunteering their time for the Crusade while many were simultaneously serving as volunteers for their community.
The McCulloch firefighter’s efforts paid off for the Crusade. The car wash brought in more than $500 and overall they collected $20,049 for schools, agencies and hospitals to better the lives of special needs children. This amount rivaled much larger city fire departments, confirming their Extra Miler status. How did they do it?
The firefighters give credit to Capt. Jeff Everett, also known as Captain Blood. He acquired this title because he “goes for blood” when motivating the McCulloch firefighters to raise money for the Crusade.
McCulloch Fire Chief Dave Tenney was not surprised to see his team recognized as Extra Milers: “These firefighters stand out because of their pride and camaraderie. They are a great team with a goal to help the community with issues most others cannot face.”
Because of the extreme nature of their work, stress relief is essential. Some of the fire departments participate in good natured pranks organized against competing stations called “Crusade Wars.” They note that nobody is hurt during the war.
Lt. Brent Oliver said he has always known firefighting was what he wanted to do.
“As a kid, I got a lot of whippings from starting fires so I could put them out,” quickly, Oliver said, adding that he doesn’t recommend such actions to children.
When it comes to doing their jobs, the firefighters advised they are all business. They risk their lives because of their natural desire to keep their neighborhood safe, adding that they are protecting their neighbors, family and friends.
Firefighter Heather Pieropan said, “We are motivated by helping others with a wide variety of concerns. We never know what we will be called upon to do.”
Capt. Greg Linker added there isn’t anything the men and women would rather be doing than working as firefighters, noting that most spend time at the station even when they are not scheduled to work.
Tenny noted there is clearly a lot of pride: “We run toward danger when others are running out. It is simply what we do and we love doing it.”
Chief Tenny, the McCulloch firefighters and all public servants who risk their lives for the residents of Southern Indiana, there is nothing “simple” about what you do. You live lives of duty and honor and for that you are true heroes and Extra Milers. Thank you.
Kindness Tip of the Month: I asked our Extra Milers what the public can do to thank them for their service. They said they needed the support from the public to ensure they keep their jobs. They fear an annexation of parts of Jeffersonville could mean many, if not all, may lose the jobs. An emotional silence fell upon the firefighters as they thought about those consequences.
Carol A. Dawson is a resident of Jeffersonville and owner of EEO GUIDANCE Inc. If you have seen or been a part of an act of kindness or know an EXTRA MILER, let her know about it. To submit a story or act of kindness, contact Carol via e-mail: Extra.Milers@newsandtribune.com or mail: THE EXTRA MILERS, The Evening News, 221 Spring St. Jeffersonville, IN, 47130-3340.
Extra Milers
EXTRA MILERS: McCulloch has the ‘fire’
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The Extra Milers: Teaching by example
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EXTRA MILER: The courage to say yes
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EXTRA MILER: Sisters of the Heart
Both girls have been involved in volunteer activities for several years. Amber serves on the student council of her school and has volunteered several times in soup kitchens. Sophia loves to dance and has entertained in nursing homes on several occasions.
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EXTRA MILER: Overcoming fear by facing it head-on
As a young girl, I was reluctant to learn how to ride a bicycle. I was torn between wanting the wind in my hair as I hit the open road with friends and the fear of falling with a splat to the pavement. My father quickly tired of the excuses and one day sat me on the bicycle and pushed the bike forward. I fell hard and as my windblown vision seemed to be shattered, my father said, “Get right back up on that horse and ride again … it will be easier this time.” He was right.
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EXTRA MILER: A call to duty
I was talking recently with Mark Eddy, executive director for Leadership Southern Indiana, when the conversation turned to this column. Mark said he knew of a church full of Extra Milers. The church is the Northside Church of Christ in Jeffersonville and specifically, he mentioned two individuals he felt met and exceeded the standards set for Extra Milers. He named Michael Kidwell and Gale Dunlap.
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Harkins has touched thousands with her generosity, concern for others
I am blessed with many best friends who have influenced my life; however, there has been one person who has influenced me the most and is the inspiration behind this column. Everything I know about loving my neighbor, I learned from Barbara Long Harkins (Barbie) … and she continues to provide inspiration to all who know her.
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EXTRA MILER: Coloring Our World
Creative people tend to bring full color to an otherwise monochrome world. Our July Extra Miler, George Ellis, turns life’s dull and numbing neutrals into vibrant and joyful colors.
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EXTRA MILER: Bringing Respect into our Schools
An enforcement officer recently spoke with me after sitting through a workplace harassment workshop. He spoke of his part-time job duties as a security officer at a local middle school and expressed a great concern for children who do not seem to fit in with the majority students. The officer said, “Every day I see cruel and hateful harassment from many of the students and my job is to step in if they become violent.”
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EXTRA MILER: Be part of Southern Indiana’s week of kindness
Julie Schwerer, executive director of the Bliss House in Jeffersonville, is a bundle of energy with a contagious spirit. She can speak at warp speed when truly excited and last week she may have broken through the sound barrier as she spoke of an anonymous donation to the Bliss House.
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EXTRA MILER: Puppies for children
Mary Latimer and Eileen Mullineaux didn’t take their task lightly — they went the extra mile. Mary and Eileen purchased the materials and devoted themselves to sew 108 puppy pillows to be painted and stuffed by Floyd Central High School students.
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