The Sidney herald., 1957-04-11

Fire Chief Bonnie Dave, Jr.
A certificate citing the Sidne,
Volunteer Fire Departments 1885,
Fire Prevention Week" activi,
ties as the third best in Montan;
has been received from the Ma.
tional Fire Protection association
Fire Chief Bonnie Dave, Jr., ha.
announced.
This is the second straight yeal
that the department has placed
in this national competition. Ii
1855 Great Falls and Sidney tieC
for second place with Billings
being first. This year it was Bill
lings, Great Falls and Sidney
This is a high recommendation
for the fire prevention activitie;
of the Sidney Department when
it is strictly a volunteer organi-
zation and both Billings and
Great Falls are fully paid de-
partments with firemen giving
their full time to fire prevention.
All of the fire departments in
the country II judged annually
for their activities during the
weeks effort to promote public
fire safety consciousness.
Chief Dave says that the De-
partment shares this honor with
the Sidney Chamber of Commerce
and the Commissioners of Rich
land county, both organizations
aiding with financial and other
aid. He also congratulated Babe
Turner who has been chairman
of the weeks activities for many
years and also every member OF
the department. The present
members of the Sidney Volun-
teer Fire Department and their
length of service are: Axel An
derson, 1899; Oscar Anderson,
1910; Stub Benzinger, 1888; Hurry
Carey, 1856; Jack Crosgrove, 1858,
Math Dasinger, 1857; Ben Dave,
1886; Danny DeShaw, l949, Russ
Dishon, 1912; Bill Ford, 1912;
Clint Fulkerson, 1855; Chris Han
son, 1850; Bob Jarvis, 1947; Geo.
Knaff, 1913; Ted Lessman, 1858;
Harold Mercer, 1919; Joe Meyer,
1910; Bill Mullins, 1858; Bud Mel
son, 1913; James Peterson, 1857;
Bob Peterson, 1855; Dan Price
l943; Babe Turner, 1916; Lloyd
Wick, 1916; and Emmett Young,
1857. These men also comprise
the official Richland county Fire
Department which is a unique
situation in Montana. The large
truck is owned by the city and
is limited to fire fighting IN the
city limits. The smaller truck is
Jointly owned by the city and
county and is used with the large
On city fires and Is also
used 'f5r rural fires.
The Sidney Volunteer Fire De-
partment has long held a posi-
ton of esteem among the de-
partments in Montana and the
people of Sidney and Richland
county. Dave states that its work
in fire prevention and public
not only helps in making
the public concious Of the I'M
portance of these two things but
also has been a great help In
relations with the pub
lie. A good example of this is
the resounding margin of votes
on the new fire hall bond issue.
The members of the department
are always available for fire in
spection or to stand by at public
gatherings. Call either Chief
Dave or Asst Chief George
.naff. There is no charge for
these services. Another fine ac-
.ivity of the Department is the
Sidney Junior Fire Department.
ALI winter regular meetings have
held in the Fire Hall with
about 80 young boys attending
and running their own meetings.
Bob Peterson and Harold Mercer
nave been in charge of this as
sisted by other members of the
department.
Dave again appointed Babe
as chairman OF Fire Pre-
Week and Turner says
hat rural meetings will be in
.reased and that one large meet
ng will be held in the fire hall
or the public. Last year over 80
meetings were held over the
with all members OF the
department. taking part. The main
i'm of the Department is service
o the public,