Community support to the end for HFD

By Gregory Grant
For The Highland County Press

At 11:59 p.m. on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 2013, as most people were celebrating the start of a new year, members of the Hillsboro community gathered at the Hillsboro Fire Station to thank firefighters for their service to the community and wish them well.

During the last few days of the year, as Hillsboro firefighters were packing up their personal items and getting the station ready for its closing, they were recipients of many visitors who came to thank them for their service – and in many cases, to bring them cookies and other items to express their appreciation. 

Those visiting included the general public, as well as former full-time and volunteer firefighters and firefighters/EMTs from surrounding communities.  

The former firefighters reminisced about past fires and squad runs, and the many good times shared with their brothers while members of the department.

The Hillsboro Fire Department which was founded in August 1857 and had provided continuous service since that time – until its Dec. 31 closing.

Among those visiting were Dave Higham and former Assistant Chief David Lowell, who have the distinction of making the first life squad run in 1976 when HFD added the ambulance to their fleet and responsibilities. 

They shared stories and memories with Captain John Shaw and Firefighter Ryan Passett who hold the distinction of making the last squad run with HFD as we know it.

As the clock drew nearer to midnight, there came a steady stream of citizens to the door who desired to spend the remainder of 2013 and Hillsboro Fire Departments final hours at the station supporting the firefighters. 

It was ironic that as the television in the day room displayed the countdown to a new year and the beginning of celebrations in New York and across the nation, this group was watching the minutes count down until Hillsboro Fire and Rescue’s remaining firefighters would pull the door closed and leave for what may be their final shift. 

At midnight, fire personnel signed off on the radio and then Highland County Dispatch toned the department one final time honoring the service of the department. Area departments responded on the air with comments thanking them for their service.

Firefighters and community members gathered in the engine room for a group picture and for handshakes, hugs of support and some tears. 

Everyone filed out of the building to observe Captain Marc Bayless, assisted by retired Chief Jerry Powell, former volunteer Martin Luschek and Engineer/Medic Ryan Passett, lower the flag.  

Afterward, everyone returned to their vehicles and left Station 100 empty and alone to begin the New Year.