A gold Bulova “Caravelle” watch is presented to Morrison Fire Department members who have served their community for 25 years.  The engraved timepiece reads:  “MFD,” then the recipient’s name, and the 25th anniversary date.  Three members of the department were so honored:  Joe Bielema (October 3, 2009), Dick Wieneke (November 21, 2009), and Arlyn Tichler (January 2, 2010.)  The presentations are made at one of the two monthly meetings of the department.  John VanderLeest is the next honoree.

However, these watches are not seen as retirement symbols by the men, who could work to age 65.  “I’m going to continue until I can’t do it any more.  I’m planning on hanging on,” stated Bielema.  He is only 49.  Tichler concurred, “I’ll stay as long as my health is good.”  

No one would describe the job of a firefighter as less than demanding.  Aside from the real risks to their life, there is a rigorous skill set to learn and continually update.  New equipment must be mastered. Education of youth and the community is an ongoing duty, as is fundraising.

Joe Bielema is married to Cindy, whose father and stepfather were firefighters.  He has held offices of Chief, 1st and 2nd Assistant Chief, and Captain; currently his job is 1st Assistant Chief of the department.  He recalled that he “spearheaded the Children’s Fire Safety House Program for ten years in the late 1980’s to early 1990’s” when his children were in grade school. “Other members have taken over.”

“Volkman’s Furniture fire was a big fire.  It was an empty factory, old wood, brick and timber construction, with a lot of fire load in that one.  The Markman Peat fire was a big one [with] lots of different County departments [involved.]”  He remembered it was his birthday, January 15, when the call came to rescue the peat warehouse and peat bagging facility.  The problem was the site “was so large and wooden.  The burning plastic bags gave us a problem.”  In such a case you have to call for assistance.  The Chief and officers make the calls to area departments.  “You have to be very quick; [you] size up the scene and run with it.”

Bielema cited two highlights of his career.  “In 2005 I was part of the MABAS--Mutual Aid Box Alarm System--on our trip to [aid victims of Hurricane] Katrina.  Three of us went as a large group of companies from Illinois.  I volunteered.  I was part of the committee for the Firefighters Memorial [at Morrison’s Grove Hill Cemetery] from the beginning of construction to the dedication on October 11, 2009.  There is a centerpiece stone with names of deceased members of the department who served at least 25 years.  Paving bricks [are engraved with] names of retirees with ten or more years of experience.”

Dick Wieneke is the department Treasurer; he is married to Andi.  He began his career in public service in November 1984 as a novice firefighter.  He served as department Treasurer for 22 years.  “I wanted to do something for the community.  I’ve always been interested in that kind of stuff.  I’m retired from the Sheriff’s Department [after] 33 years.  I still do part-time police work at the [Whiteside County] Courthouse, the villages of Erie and Lyndon, and the cities of Prophetstown and Morrison, as needed.  I’m on the schedule.”

“Sometimes noteworthy things happen [in this job.]”  More importantly to him, “It’s the camaraderie of 30 [guys] who work together, to provide a valuable service:  fire prevention, knowledge, and suppression.”

Arlyn Tichler began his service January 2, 1985, when the all-volunteer department “had an opening come up.”  His wife is Marilyn.  The May pancake breakfast fundraiser was initiated by Tichler.  He remarked this was important to the department, because “We’ve gotten several [new] trucks and replaced” equipment.  He made a return trip to thecity1.com office to tell me he instructed children for three years in the Fire Safety House Program.  That important task made him proud.  The Volkman’s Furniture factory and Markman Peat fires were remembered as extraordinary because of their size, as Bielema recounted.

Firefighters have fun using their skills in water fights.  “I enjoy it; it is something like a hobby.  You get interested in it, and it helps the community.  I do quite a lot of the fighting; we go to different towns on a three-man team.  We work together.”  Tichler has twice won the traveling trophy from the Blackhawk Firefighters Water Fight.

The current officers of the fire department include:  Chief David Benters; 1st Assistant Chief Bielema; 2nd Assistant Chief Dalbert Wiebenga; Secretary Mike Lewis; Treasurer Wieneke; Captain and Training Officer Brian Johnson.

Firefighters are described as a “band of brothers,” due to their loyalty to, and dependence upon, each other.  There are evocative poems about firefighters on the Internet, but the following anonymous one is most-often cited as “The Firefighter’s Prayer.”

When I'm called to duty, God,
Wherever flames may rage
Give me strength to save a life
Whatever be its age.

Help me to embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person from
The horror of that fate

Enable me to be alert
To hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling and
To give the best in me
To guard my neighbor and
Protect his property.

And if, according to your will,
I have to lose my life
Bless with your protecting hand
My children and my wife.