The Clancy Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD) gathered for its traditional banquet on Jan. 20. This year’s banquet, held at the Green Meadow Country Club in Helena, gave the department’s officers an opportunity to thank volunteers – and especially their families – for their support during the past year.
CVFD President Chris Kiser noted in his remarks that it isn’t just the firefighters who respond to calls; a lot of support comes from their families, too. Families may need to change normal life style patterns while a firefighter is on a call. There is also the stress during incident calls that family members often cannot share or even express. To express their gratitude, the fire fighters presented gifts to their family members.
Kiser also recognized that the department had not only handled 75 incident calls in 2023 — there were 91 the year before — and that it had stayed cohesive and professional when its chief resigned mid-term. Treasurer John Davis presented gifts to each of the active fire fighters, many of whom attended the event in their dress-blue uniforms.
It was then Chief Greg Robson’s turn to speak. He also thanked family members for their support, and observed that being a volunteer firefighter involves a lot more than just showing up to a fire scene and spraying water. Robson acknowledged the training requirements each member commits to each year on their own time.
He also reminded the gathering that the department is obliged to run the business of a fire department. That includes administrative work like getting the department’s taxes paid, or securing financing to update trucks and equipment. All that work is done by the officers and other members all pulling together as a team.
With that, Robson announced his selection for Clancy VFD Fire Fighter of the Year: President Chris Kiser, a 13-year veteran of the department.
Robson noted that Kiser had been instrumental over the past year in organizing the department’s finances and required reporting. Kiser also was the chief negotiator for the loans that the department took on to upgrade to a newer truck last summer. Robson said Kiser’s work demonstrated the commitment and dedication away from the heat of fires or performing rescues that all volunteer firefighters need to be successful.
Robson also recognized Michael McCarthy as the Clancy VFD Rookie of the Year. Robson applauded the enthusiasm McCarthy brought to the department when he joined last year. “He tries to make it to every call, which is really encouraging,” Robson commented.
McCarthy had been a fire service volunteer before coming to Montana 13 years ago. He said he found he missed it after leaving, and was pleased he could help out in Clancy. “The firemen of Clancy VFD are extremely dedicated to our community and have been very welcoming to me and the other new volunteers. It always amazes me that we have 20 plus guys that are willing to drop everything they are doing and head to a call for service,” he said.
