Local Firefighters Volunteered to Joplin

New Sharon Fire Chief Steve Gerard (left) and Oskaloosa Fire Chief Mark Neff (center) write important info on their arms before heading out on search and recovery in Joplin, Missouri (photo courtesy Montezuma Fire & Rescue)

Recently we announced that New Sharon’s Fire Chief, Steve Gerard, will be honored by the Governor for he and his crew’s selfless service to not only their own community, friends, and neighbors but also to those around the county.

So this week was all about highlighting not only Gerard’s work, but those of the Montezuma and Oskaloosa Fire Departments as well. The 3 departments traveled and worked together to help the city of Joplin, Missouri.

This week, New Sharon was struck by an EF1 tornado. An emotional Fire Chief spoke with us about those that called to offer their assistance, and the difference they are making.

My stories on the work of Gerard and the other firefighters was being saved for this week, but little did we know of the damage that would strike New Sharon.

For those that may not have heard yet, we recently posted a story about how the New Sharon Fire and Rescue will receive a Governor’s Volunteer Award from Governor Terry E. Branstad during a special ceremony to be held June 30, 2011 in Pleasant Hill.

Always one to spread around a good word about the work that others are doing, Gerard had this to say about the CERT team members that were helping to clean up New Sharon, “They did a good job”. He briefly related a story of the CERT teams that assisted down in Joplin, Missouri and also in Tulsa, Oklahoma during their tornado in 1999. He says that CERT is a great entity that’s great to have. “It’s kind of an extension to free some of our people up, department people, to do other things.” Gerard said.

I asked Gerard what makes him want to pack up the trailer, and go and help these people around the country. He stated, “I think after we got involved in Biloxi [Mississippi], when we were down there with Katrina, we could see the need; and at that point in time we also got involved with departments out of Kentucky, Cleveland, Ohio, and Atlanta, Georgia. You begin to pick up knowledge that, when stuff like this happens [tornado in New Sharon], you can use here at home. I know when Chief Neff was with us, down there this last trip to Joplin, and Chief Widmer with me out of Monte, and each one of those guys have all said, ‘we learned a lot being able to respond to that kind of thing.’ and that’s information that no matter know how many schools we could go to and how much training you go to, you can’t get that kind of training just sitting in a class room doing bookwork.”

Gerard believes that those experiences are already paying off. Instant command and being able to coordinate is something he says we do well in this county.

The departments around the area are learning from New Sharon, and that knowledge is being spread to other local departments, and in turn they spread it to those near them.

Another big reason Gerard and his team go to these things, “You never know when you’re next.” This statement couldn’t have rung more true on Monday while looking at the damage caused by a small tornado. With an emotional tone in his voice, Gerard went on to say, “Chief Roberts from Biloxi called me today. That meant a lot. There’s a lot of camaraderie.” Then with a returning smile he went on to say, “He asked me what I wanted and I told him 40 guys. He stammered just a little bit.” Chief Gerard and I shared a good laugh over the sense of humor that was evident because of the relationship he has built with other departments.

I will continue my interview with Chief Gerard tomorrow, and will also talk with Montezuma Fire Chief Chris Widmer about his experience in Joplin.