There’s one thing about firefighters that seems to be true whether it comes out of Hollywood or one’s own back yard — they do take care of their own.
The Sidney Volunteer Fire Department unveiled a new memorial cairn in front of the hall on Third Street on Thursday, Sept. 11. On a plaque attached to the cairn are the names of 39 life members of the department.
It replaces an older memorial that had simple run out of space to include more recent life members. The list of names of people who served the community with the fire department dates back to the 1930s — as well as the oldest living life member, 91-year-old Ted Clarke whose firefighting career lasted 24 years.
The plaque has room for another 41 names.
During the unveiling ceremony, Mayor Larry Cross said the cairn represents the efforts of many people, especially the volunteers who gave their time for their community over the years. He thanked the efforts of all the volunteers and credited Fire Chief Jim Tweedhope for spearheading the effort to replace the aging memorial at the fire hall.
Tweedhope kept his comments short, offering thanks to all who have served with the department. He then joined Cross in unveiling the cairn.
The Sidney Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 100th anniversary this year.
