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OAK CITY — During the month of August, the spotlight is on the heroic men and women of our state's fire departments and in particular on Thursday, the focus is on one small volunteer crew that responds no matter what.
Oak City has a population of 585 people so the fire crew is all volunteer based. When it comes to fighting fires, the Oak City Volunteer Fire Department can always use an extra hand.
"It's just whoever can show up," said Russell Dewsnup. "It's all volunteer. A lot of the farmers around here come with their tractors and disks. They're the greatest assett we got."
Russell Dewsnup is the fire chief in Oak City. He's a 30 year veteran of the department and like everyone else, he also has a day job.
It's all volunteer. A lot of the farmers around here come with their tractors and disks. They're the greatest assett we got.
–Russell Dewsnup, Fire Chief
"A lot of them work at the power plant, some of them work for the school district, some of them are independent contractors, some of them work for contractors or farmers," Dewsnup said.
In June, those school district employees, contractors and farmers were put to the test, when the Clay Springs wild fire scorched more than 100,000 acres of land in their backyard.
Three Oak City firefighters were injured when they were trapped behind the fire line...and had to drive a truck through 30 feet of flames. The license plate is still scorched.
The firefighters are still recovering, but don't regret going toe to toe with the wild fire. In fact, it's practically their motto.
"You just have to be ready to do what's needed," said Shim Callister, another volunteer. He has been with the department for more than 20 years.
While Callister says they are small in numbers, his decision to stay on with the department, like so many others, is a calling. A way to give back to the town he loves.
No matter, the size of the fight, the Oak City fire volunteers are always there to answer the call.
