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This is the third in a series about the Andrews Volunteer Fire Department.
The third photo of the 1978 Andrews Volunteer Fire Department depicts some of the most outstanding citizens in Andrews. They were from all walks of life, and personal convictions, but they were a loyal team who worked in unison for emergencies in this area.
Ty Burnette was the third person from the left on the first row. He was appointed to serve out the term of Mayor Percy B. Ferebee in 1971, who died while in office. Burnette served as Mayor of Andrews until 1984. During those years his administration accomplished many improvements that promoted the growth of Andrews.
The community facility building was erected, construction of the recreation park, the Dan Holland Impoundment Project was built, the water treatment plant, new town library and new sewer system began, to name a few. Under Burnette’s leadership the Town of Andrews received the Governor’s Community of Excellence Award every year it was available. Andrews was No. 1 in the state for “liquidity vs. population” with $1.3 million of undesignated funds, which means money was available for any emergency or necessities that may arise.
Mayor Burnette was constantly going to Raleigh and Washington, D.C., to secure money for projects. He used to say: “In addition to state money, there is federal money available, but sometimes you just have to go after it,” and he did. Yet, he still made time to serve on the Andrews Volunteer Fire Department. Imagine that.
Frank Ledford is pictured on top of the fire truck, the last man on the right. He owned the cleaners in town and was active in the community. Frank’s service went far beyond the normal as he actually-delivered the pressed shirts and dry cleaning to your home in the evenings.
Floyd Brooks, first man on the front left row, was part of the family that operated the Ford dealership in Andrews. The Reece Motor Company was located adjacent to Citizens Bank, where the State Employees Credit Union is located today. Jeff Brooks and his sons, Floyd, Wade and
J.V. Brooks, ran the Ford place.
Wayne (“Struttin”) Curtis is the second from the left on front row. He was one of the most colorful characters in Andrews. He ran the Texaco Station, which was located just past Scotty Baker’s Auto today. Struttin was the most unforgettable resident in Andrews. Everyone loved him because he joked and cut up all the time.
The locals would go by and hang out on the bench out in front of the station just to see the reaction of the tourists that pulled in for gas. After Struttin had pumped the gas, he would run over to the median and pull up some green onions and hand them a bouquet through the car window. He would tell them: “I don’t give green stamps, but I give green onions!” The look on their faces were priceless.
This whole group of men shown in this photo were hometown heroes who volunteered to keep us safe with their skills in assisting those in need, without regard for themselves.
Kandy Barnard is a columnist for the Cherokee Scout. To talk about the Andrews Valley, call her at 361-3268 or email kandybarnard@gmail.com.