Published: October 12, 2009 09:54 am      

Dedication displays memorial recognizing local firefighers

MORRISON, Ill. — Nearly 23 years ago, three firefighters — Randy Betts, Bob Venhuizen and Jeff Eissens — officially became members of the Morrison Fire Department.

For years “The Three Amigos” — as they were known — were part of a 30-man roster that went out on calls, be it for car accidents, house fires or mutual aid assists, whether in the middle of the night or during a family outing.

So when Venhuizen retired in 2007 and broke up the trio, it became a time of reflection for Betts, who noticed that the only recognition given to a firefighter was a special flag placed on a deceased fireman’s grave.

He envisioned the creation of a firefighters’ memorial, one that paid homage to those who had served for at least 10 years on the department. On Sunday, that vision was realized as Morrison residents turned out for the dedication of the Firefighters’ Memorial in Grove Hill Cemetery.

“It takes a special kind of person to be a volunteer firefighter,” Betts said during the ceremony, which also included comments from Morrison Mayor Roger Drey and former Morrison fireman Paul Nolden, a pastor who currently is an assistant fire chief with the Walnut, Ill., fire department.

The top of the monument lists the 10 founding members who organized the Jackson Hose Company in June 1876. The front side lists those deceased firefighters who served at least 25 years. Surrounding the monument on the ground level is a maltese cross and pavers that list the years of service of all retired firefighters who have served at least 10 years. When a firefighter who has served at least 25 years dies, his paver is removed and given to the family. His name is then listed on the monument. Two firefighters who died while active firefighters also are listed on the monument.

Betts said as he began thinking of ways to honor Morrison firefighters, he studied other communities to see what they were doing to honor those who had served. He also consulted Dick Groharing, who had helped create the nearby veterans’ memorial. Groharing has since died, but Betts said his input was vital in planning the firefighters’ memorial.

Firefighters actually helped to construct the memorial, and purchased the monument from Moore Monument. The fire department has paid all expenses regarding construction and will fund maintenance of the site.

During Sunday’s service, the fire department also paid its respects to the “Old Timers,” all the firemen who served at least 10 years.

Nolden, who also served as a fire chaplain when he was a member of the Morrison Fire Department, quoted the Scripture passage that speaks of the great love shown when someone lays down his life for another.

With firefighters facing that possibility daily, the memorial will be a place to show respect and honor them, he said

Morrison firefighter Richard Wieneke, who will reach 25 years of service next month, gave a history of the fire department as well, listing major fires and milestones of equipment purchases throughout the years.

But, he pointed out, it is the men behind the equipment who make the sacrifices, and that the firefighters’ mission has remained the same, from 1876 to today.

“The common goal is to make the city of Morrison a better place to live, a better place to work and a better place to raise our families,” he said.