Calif. Fire Department Celebrates 100 Years of Service

Former Corning Fire Chief Jim Calbreath had a grand time as the volunteer Fire Department celebrated 100 years of service to the community on Saturday.

"We have always worked on the premise of just wanting to give back to the community," said Calbreath, 90, who joined his fellow firefighters for a pancake breakfast to start of the Centennial Celebration at the fire hall on Fifth Street.

"Since 1912, department members have set aside personal needs at all times of day and night to provide emergency services. Commitment, courage and compassion best describe the vo unteers of the Corning Fire Department for over 100 years," a tribute to the department states.

Formed with a wish to provide a "first-class firefighting machine for Corning," the traditions and dedication of the volunteer firefighters carried through into Saturday's celebration with plenty of fun and activities.

As grand marshal for the Centennial Celebration Parade, Calbreath got a perfect view of the crowds lining Solano Street, watching and waving as a line of nearly 50 firefighting and rescue apparatus rolled down the main thoroughfare of town.

From a 1904 steam-pump, horse-drawn fire engine and hand-pulled hose carts, to the newest in firefighting engines and equipment, the parade featured more than a centennial of first-response outfits from fire departments around the northstate.

Calbreath, who served as chief from 1970 to 1987, also had a great perspective under the shade of City Hall as he cheered on the Corning firefighters during the celebration's Firemen's Muster.

Corning's firefighters came out as grand champions of the competition as they battled against teams from Mendocino, Greenville, Willows and the Sacramento River rural department from Colusa in the Bucket Brigade, Third Alarm, and Water Polo events.

During the dinner held at Rolling Hills Casino, Tehama County Supervisor Bob Williams, on behalf of Assemblyman Jim Nielsen, R-Gerber, and state Sen. Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale, presented Corning Fire Chief Martin Spannaus with a framed resolution from the Legislature honoring the century of service provided by the Corning Volunteer Fire Department.

Corning Councilman John Leach presented a plaque of the City Council adopted resolution honoring the centennial.

"We have had a long line of volunteers at the fire department," Spannaus said. "At least 350 have donated their time to the city over the 100 year period."

He then introduced Calbreath, and former Fire Chief Bob Pryatel, who served from 1987 to 2008. The audience gave the two men a standing ovation.

Spannaus also recognized those who put in countless hours to organizing and carrying out the Centennial celebration.

The department has 35 firefighter volunteers including two assistant chiefs, three captains, a treasurer, secretary. The paid staff includes the chief and four dispatchers.

It responds to more than 1,000 emergency calls annually and provides countless hours of community service through its annual Christmas Basket Project, participating in parades, helping the senior center, Corning Christian Assistance and many other groups and organizations.

Copyright 2012 - Corning Observer, Calif.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service