Ranger – Volunteer firefighters were called to the Ranger Community Center at 6 p.m. Nov. 17, but not for an emergency.
The Nottley Riverbanks Homeowners Association, with much love and appreciation, treated fire department members and Chief Mike Taylor to a dinner in their honor. The dinner was a heartfelt “thank you” to the department for their hard work and dedication in doing such a difficult job.
The appreciation dinner started with a welcome and introduction, followed by the presentation of two gifts. The first gift was a $2,000 donation to assist the department with various needs; the second was a small red fire truck Taylor had to first open from a wrapped box. Taylor plans to add the tiny truck to the collection in the firehouse, where it will sit proudly on a shelf with all the other fire trucks in the meeting room.
There was a small lone table off to one side that was set up with a white tablecloth. The seat would remain empty throughout the evening, and the plate and glass would not be filled. Other items adorned the table including a single red rose. The setting symbolized fallen first responders who were no longer able to join others for a meal.
Capt. Richard Mitchell, a 12-year firefighter, has spent the last two years at Ranger.
“It’s pretty amazing,” he said. “We’re not used to this happening. People thank us, but to actually show us
definitely means a lot. The big donation took us by surprise, and it means a lot to us. It was amazing, and the money will go to good use.”
Wyatt Nowling, a firefighter with Ranger for four years, added, “It’s a great honor, and it’s nice to see the community giving back to those who serve them.”
Jeff York, one of several organizers of the special evening, said, “We did this as a community because this fire department does so much for us, and we know they’re not always appreciated. We wanted to let them know that as much as they’re here for us, we’re here for them as well.”
Food was provided by Rib Country, Comfort Grub and Nottley Riverbanks homeowners.
“It’s what we do at Ranger – we try to be a family and help our community, and these ladies and gentlemen that did this for us – it’s amazing,” Taylor said. “At the fire service, we don’t hear ‘thank you’ a lot, let alone to see this kind of outpouring of love to a fire department.
“It’s not just about me – we’ve got a lot of good people who have given their time, efforts and time away from family to do this. We’ve got a lot of good things going on at Ranger. We try to be very community oriented and do a lot for the community where we can, like working hard for three years to get the insurance rating lower so everyone can save money on their homeowners insurance,” he added.
“We’re about to be certified on the rescue side. We couldn’t be and do and have the good equipment if it wasn’t for the community. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the homeowners, and thank you to the guys and gals on my department. It’s my honor to be the chief at Ranger.”