Published: February 19, 2008 09:39 pm      

EXTRA MILERS: McCulloch has the ‘fire’

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.