It was a happy occasion on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, as the most-recent Morrison, IL, volunteer fireman marked a quarter century milestone.
Dalbert Wiebenga, left, is shown receiving the prestigious, gold, “Caravelle” Bulova watch from Fire Chief David Benters at the station. All commemorative watches are engraved “MFD.” Wiebenga became a member of Morrison Fire Department (MFD) on July 2, 1992, and has earned 25 years of dedicated service to the community and surrounding areas.
He was prompted to join the department, first, because his grandfather was a Fulton, IL, fireman. Second, Wiebenga said he received similar training during work on the Exelon Fire Brigade, at the nuclear plant in Cordova, IL. There have been no fires during his 32 years employment. Prior to that there were minor, light electrical fires from transformers or light ballasts sparking.
He stated he draws the most satisfaction from manning the Child Fire Safety House, working with primary students at Northside School. It is gratifying “when I am recognized by kids later, and they remember what was taught.”
His best day as a firefighter? “Any time you can put a fire out for someone or save some property is a good day”
Wiebenga recalled two of the worst Morrison fires in his tenure. First was the Walker house fire in 2000 or 2001. Linda Walker, the only family member in her Morrison home at the time, died in the fire. Second was the closed factory of Volckmann Furniture–Ethan Allen Division on W. Wall Street, February 22, 2002. It was a major conflagration.
He has served as First and Second Assistant Chiefs and Captain. In 2005, he volunteered for the Hurricane Katrina Task Force in the Gulf Coast. There he “assisted the elderly, cleared fire hydrants, and put out a couple house and industrial fires.”
But Wiebenga is most proud to have earned certification as a Firefighter II “in about 2000. You have to
- master fire science topics
- complete practical exercises
- demonstrate throwing a ladder
- use hoses and equipment in a training fire
- put out fires in a room and its contents
- operate an engine.”
“Camaraderie with fellow firemen and good community support for the department all the time” are important facets of his satisfaction being a Morrison Fire Department member.
