Orchard Fire Department Awarded Modern Woodmen Hometown Hero

It was just last month that the Orchard Fire Department saved the town from what could have been a devastating fire. That was just one of many reasons the department was recognized last week as Hometown Heroes. 

The Modern Woodmen Hometown Hero award was presented for all of the hard work members put in to ensure the community’s safety. Josh Gray, activities coordinator for the Modern Woodmen Chapter, said the fire department was selected and found deserving of the award because of all of the time members dedicate to protecting the community. 

“In this case, it makes it easy when there’s a fire close to home and they’re willing to go out and put their lives on the line to help us,” Gray said. 

Fire Chief Duane Risinger and other members of the fire department accepted the award.

Risinger said he was impressed with how people appreciate what they do and said their job never stops. 

"There are a lot of fires, as far as rescue stuff goes, a lot of hospitals have to admit that we do pretty good work, good response time," Risinger said. "All I've got to say is 365 days a year, 24 hours a day."

While Risinger said he's thankful the department hasn't been as active recently, they’ve had some impactful experiences over the years. 

“We do a good job,” Risinger said. “Actually, this winter, we had a rescue call that we revived a person that was actually dead and she walks around now.”

Gray also recalled a time during the spring in which the fire department came to the rescue. 

“Just this spring, we had a fire that could have come into town if it wasn’t taken care of properly,” Gray said. “They answer the call and put their lives on the line for all of us.”

The fire department has about 35 people in it, and it takes the help and involvement of the whole team to function, Risinger said. However, Risinger said he hopes to recruit younger members, as some of them are nearing retirement.

“The biggest thing right now is it would be nice if we could recruit some younger people,” Risinger said. “Some of us are getting around retirement age, but we don’t plan on stopping for a little while yet.” 

A $100 charitable donation from Modern Woodmen was presented to the Orchard Fire Department, which gifted it to the Orchard baseball program for new dugouts. Dusty's also donated $100 to the fire department. 
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Pictured above from left to right: Josh Stelling, Kathy Belik, Larry Mieras, Sylvia Cleveland, Irene ​Risinger, Steve Dempster, Duane Risinger and Josh Gray.