North Gilchrist Fire Department
founders honored for their service

By John M. Ayers

The Gilchrist County Commission recognized four outstanding father figures of the Gilchrist County Fire Service on Thursday.
The commissioners dedicated the North Gilchrist Volunteer Fire Department (Station 2) to Clarence Feagle, Bud Riffle, David C. Strom, and David W. Strom.
The bronzed plaque that will be attached to the building reads:
The citizens of Gilchrist County dedicate this building to Clarence Feagle, Bud Riffle, David C. Strom, and David W. Strom for their tireless efforts in helping to establish this fire department in the North Gilchrist Community.

The four founders of the North Gilchrist Volunteer Fire Department are from left:
David C. Strom, Bud Riffle, Clarence Feagle, and David W. Strom. Photo by Jennifer Sherlock.

Ron McQueen, county administrator, had Gilchrist County Fire Chief Carlos Perez make the announcement and the presentation to the four honorees when they attended the Thursday afternoon meeting in Trenton.
“It is great to honor these four volunteer firemen for their outstanding service,” McQueen said. “Where we have come from is a testament to the untiring work these men have performed for Gilchrist County Fire Service.”
In the early days these firemen were often the entire team of volunteers representing the North Gilchrist Fire Station.
These man have always worked, and done with what they had to work with; often times it was with hand me down gear, McQueen explained.
“It is great to honor these men who have done so much for Gilchrist County Fire Service,” Lee Schaltenbrand, retired Assistant Fire Chief of Gilchrist County Fire Rescue and former Chief of Spring Ridge Department stated.