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Sad Day in Darke County, Ohio
Retired Fire Chief, Carl "Bud" Gray of the Arcanum Fire Department passed away early Tuesday morning. He was 80 years old. Bud served the village for over 40 years as a firefighter with many of those as chief. He was one old dog who could be taught new tricks. He called me one day and wanted to know if I would be interested in becoming the training officer for the department. He explained that he wasn't very happy with the way things were going. So, began a long relationship for me with the department. I saw it grow and get better at the task at hand. Bud stood by and absorbed it all. He was able to see that modern day fire departments can't operate like they did 20 years ago and then he fixed the problem. I'll miss Bud, as will a lot of other people.
UPDATE: and so on a bright sunny day at the end of November, we laid old Bud to rest. He went out in a red coffin matching the red Chevy Pickup he always drove, on top of Engine 341. Getting that engine rehabbed was his last big project.
UPDATE: and so on a bright sunny day at the end of November, we laid old Bud to rest. He went out in a red coffin matching the red Chevy Pickup he always drove, on top of Engine 341. Getting that engine rehabbed was his last big project.
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Comment by Brad Hoff on November 26, 2008 at 2:14pm -
We are all seemingly going through a dark time this holiday season loosing valuable members of the fire service who have made a difference and we are all deeply saddened by the losses. Even though this is sad I feel it is better to deal with a death in this way than a LODD on an actual call.
I have started a group called Our Family in Need. It is a place for things such as this ad everyone can post there. We need as many members as we can get because it also deals with helping our own when not a deathh or a injury is involved.
RFB, KTF
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Comment by Marty Mayes on November 26, 2008 at 1:26pm -
Robert,
My condolences to you and your department on the loss. We lost a long time member like yours last year. He had a terminal illness and was under a DNR order. When his passing became imminent, his wife called the station and we were able to "respond" with him one last time. Granted we only stood by his bed but you get the idea. Anyway, I only share that story with you because it made a real impact on me to spend that time with him. It seemd that all of us should pass safe and warm, after a disquinshed career. Thanks for sharing your long time firefighter with us.
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