Jane Lew Volunteer Fire Department Inc. was founded on May 9, 1941. The charter filed
that day was by two men, Harry McWhorter and C.S. Mitchell. As you can imagine through some
research, and hopefully in deep recollection we will take a walk down memory lane. Lets look
back through the history, some memories, and see if we can formulate the path we have taken to
get to where we are today. Let us begin:
If you will, let your mind wonder with me and lets set the stage for what times might have
been like: The year…1941…. the 1941 st year of the common era, the 941 st year of the 2 nd
millennium, the 41 st year of the 20 th century, and the 2 nd year of the 1940’s decade.
The President of the United States was Franklin Delano Roosevelt or as you might
remember him FDR. The Vice President was Henry A. Wallace. U.S. Population was 133,402,471.
Federal spending was at $13.65 Billion, Federal debt was $57.5 Billion, Unemployment was at
9.9% and the cost of a first class stamp was merely $0.03. The average cost of a new house was
$4,075.00, Average wages per year were $1,750.00, cost of a gallon of gas was 12 cents, average
house rent was $32 per month, and a new car was an average of $850.00. The first electronic
computer was finished in 1941; the revolving toothbrush (with a hand crank) was invented. The
short subject Elmer’s Pet Rabbit is released, marking the second appearance of Bugs Bunny. U.S.
President FDR signs a bill establishing the 4 th Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day in the
United States. There was no Nobel peace prizes awarded that year. Hitler becomes commander-
in-chief of the German Army. Commercial TV was authorized by the FCC allowing NBC to officially
release a 10 second commercial spot before a baseball game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and
Philadelphia Phillies. The breakfast cereal Cheerios is introduced. The 27 th playing of the Rose
Bowl was played with Stanford defeating Nebraska 21-13. The Mount Rushmore Monument was
completed, the first Jeep was produced, the 1 st federally owned airport opened in Washington D.C..
The San Francisco Giants baseball team used plastic batting helmets for the first time, the NY
Yankees won the World Series where Joe DiMaggio was named the AL MVP, Whirlaway was the
Kentucky derby champion, and Minnesota was the NCAA College football Champions. Last but not
least, the Japanese led attacks on the United States at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii ultimately forcing the
U.S. to join World War II. Can you imagine?
Now that we’ve introduced some of the events, statistics, inventions, and interesting
history of the year that we evolved lets bring things a little closer to home. In 1941 there were
members that would forever make their mark in history as the founders and charter members of
the Jane Lew Volunteer Fire Department. Located on Main Street in Jane Lew, with a one bay, dirt
floor building it all simply began. A building that today still stands and operates to be a thriving
business in this town. One where we might reference the saying “ You have a good one” as you
check out and pay for the groceries, food, supplies, or produce you may have just acquired. Some
might now call it the Dairy Mart, or the All Star, but we like to call it “Kennys.” Just across the road
was General Lightburns store. Where something might cost a little more but it’s worth it. The
Esso station nearby and the city building just up the street, all integral parts of what made this
department work. A tight knit community and involvement, as you will see going forward in time.
All of these memories have been what brings the history together and truly allows us to embark
on the way things have been throughout the 75-year journey that makes us what we are today.
The building when initially bought and made into the Fire Department had one garage door
and wooden floors. The wood floors would have to be removed and replaced with a dirt floor to
accommodate the weight of the first fire engine. A 1941 Mack, costing a remarkable $300, with a

500 gallon tank and a front pumper. Some of those chartered members with the names of Paul
McCarty, Walter Neely, Clair Mitchell, Jim Hinerman, John Funk, Lewis Watson, and Harry
McWhorter. Mr. McWhorter actually served as one of four town barbers at that time. The first
fire chief was Clair “Bear” Mitchell. Obviously technology wasn’t what it is today, so some
modifications had to be done. The Jane Lew School was thriving and set high atop school hill,
which made it imperative that the trucks had to be able to gain access. Problem was, that 1941
Mack with 3 men on it didn’t have the gears or power to climb the hill. They had to modify the
transmission to allow this to happen. With money tight the members sought out after something
or someone to fix their problem. Lucky for them the local coal company would come through. The
company donated a 3-speed transmission and installed it for the fire department to allow for full
access and a working fire apparatus to achieve their goals.
As the department continued to thrive and move forward in 1945 the JLVFD Ladies
Auxiliary would form as a HUGE support system for the members. This is and has been to this day
an integral part of fundraising efforts and constant involvement in the department.
The next fire truck would be a 1953 Chevrolet Truck cab and chassis. Installed was a 500-
gallon tank with no pump. Approximate cost was $500 and purchased from a WV state surplus
sale. With that purchase meant expansion to the building. In the mid 1950’s they would build on
to the existing building adding a 2 nd garage bay door to accommodate the acquisition. Members of
the department would strive to do the best they could with all they had to work with, as training
wasn’t really incorporated into the fire service until the 1960’s. They would mandate and
administer what were called Section I, II, & III. Hydrants were also being installed during this era
to assist with water sources.
Next they purchased a 1965 GMC / Sutphen with a 750 Gallon Pump. Just a little story to
go with this truck…. The first call it was on once ready was a fire at Butcher Layfield in Weston.
During that fire they pumped water and fought fire for over 5 hours. With the truck having a
gasoline motor, it used over 55 gallons of gas to stay running that night. Willard McWhorter had
to get access to the filling station down the street and carried 5-gallon cans of gas to keep it filled
up.
By this time the 2 nd fire chief Walter Neely was in charge. Next would come an addition to
the existing building in the mid 1960’s. They expanded the backside of the structure making a
meeting room. Things are growing, expansions have begun, and there’s no looking back now.
With the added 1968 International Panel van to the fleet one might boast that the fleet of trucks
was really starting to come around. The Panel truck was also purchased from the WV State
surplus sale and would be put to use.
They would go on to purchase another International Tanker trunk Single axle to replace the
existing one. The members purchased this truck from Allegheny Tank Company. Again,
modifications were done and a fire truck it would become. They had also traded the 1941 Mack at
this point for an upgraded 1962 Red and White Front Mount GMC Pumper. This truck came to
them from Ravenswood. Ravenswood WV was thriving in the aluminum business and that truck
became available and they seized the opportunity to a whopping $10,000 purchase price.
Again to better themselves and continue progress they sold the single axle tanker and
purchased another International tandem axle tanker truck to carry even more water.
Remember the International Panel car? They decide to trade it for the infamous 1977 Ford
Van. White in color, room for everyone to ride if they missed the tailboard of the engine, brown
vinyl floors, purple dice hanging from the mirror (speaking of the dice there may be a couple
people in the room tonight that can tell how those got there) and lastly plenty of room for picking
up cones if we needed just a few extra. Its funny how certain memories stick out in your mind?
Real quick… Did those dice have anything to do with parade suspension?? As I recall, they were

members definitely off parade participation through the winter, but no worries the Strawberry
Festival wasn’t until May so everything was right with the world!
Before I get into more fire apparatus, lets talk a little bit about how things were afforded,
and how these firefighters even knew there was a call. I promise I’ll tie it all together if you bear
with me. So, in the days of no scanners, portable radios, etc. there was a telephone and a siren. If
someone had an emergency they would call the phone number to the fire department. With the
department being strictly volunteer one might ask how would there be someone available 24
hours a day 7 days a week? Well see, times were tough. People needed a place to live. The city
building on Main Street had apartments on the top floor. In exchange for their rent, the folks that
resided there would answer the Fire department phone when it rang. If it were an emergency,
they would then call the fire chief. The chief would go to the city building to see the nature of the
call and push the button to blow the siren. Firefighters would hear the siren and respond to the
station to see what they had and where it was. Anybody remember that chalkboard?? It really did
serve a purpose back in the day. As years progressed the Weston Fire Department, with a paid
man on duty, would monitor the emergency calls of all the county fire departments. The person
in distress would call the phone number, call would ring to Weston FD, and there paid man would
alert the call over AM radio. There was once a fireman that got his nickname from doing so. He
alerted a car on fire at the garden fresh, and in doing so made it sound like a song. “Theres a
garden on fire at the garden fresh.. doo dah doo dah…. Hence ever since his nickname is doodah.
Fun facts ladies and gentlemen.
In the late 1960’s, money and fundraising was a concern and even more so today. The
members would discuss ideas and someone mentioned they should consider doing a ramp dinner.
None of them really even knew what a ramp was back then. They researched it, did some asking,
found out where they were and what they had to do to get them. Off they would go, deciding to try
it and see what happened. Their first trip digging ramps they were digging away and came across
an old farmer in the mountains. They began talking to him and he too was digging ramps that day.
The members had told him what their plan was and how they were attempting it for the first time.
Lucky for them they crossed paths with that gentlemen, because if not they would have had a
“Water Lilly” dinner because that’s what they had been digging all morning. The guy was kind
enough to set them straight and the rest is history. The first dinner they served 68 lbs. of bacon,
and 10-12 bushel of ramps. They actually cleaned them in the basement of the Esso station on
Main Street and served the dinner at the American Legion Building. What an event this would
become over the years. It evolved to a weeklong tradition basically. Dig on the Sunday prior to
the Saturday dinner. Meet at 6AM, load up, take the white van, a school bus, and as many people
as we could get. As it evolved, we were digging over 100 bushel and cooking 800 LBS of bacon and
potatoes. This was more than a moneymaking scheme; this was an event that brought people
from all over to Jane Lew on a Saturday in April. With help from the community people, with the
likes of Ditty Butcher and Bob Bennett cooking ramps. Steve Scott watching over them assuring
there is nothing left unfinished, while Tom Cordwell laid down for a nap in the back of that old
scout Steve had out back. See, the night before was always the big preparation for the day at hand.
After the cleaning all week, the ramps would all have to be washed and cut. Through the crazy
system of washtubs and tables, maybe a few beers, and working all night long, the members
worked tirelessly through 2 days on no sleep to assure it was a success. For the longest time, my
dad always made me leave at 11pm though, as I was pretty young back then, and I was always so
mad and didn’t understand why. He would never tell me either. I did figure it out as I got older.
The bacon room was always my personal favorite. Its like the party never stopped back there.
You’d be surprised how many people cooked with bacon grease as we filled up coffee tin after
coffee tin. Bob Stewart Sr. kind of headed the show, my dad and Kevin Queen always baked and
put the finishing touches on the ramps before fed and my ole buddy Dave Lamb was a bacon-

frying machine!! I remember Hog Head and Detamore. Jim Paugh and Steve Allman always there
working and Ill promise you Eddie Harbert was there. That guy was everywhere. If it hadn’t been
for the guardrail across the road he would have put that 1965 GMC right in the creek the night the
brakes went out. That truck had stories…. Ron Garton falling off the back and I think Rusty Carson
might even have a story or two. Anyone remember the night the portable pump was messed up
and wouldn’t draft right because the exhaust was cracked and wouldn’t seal? I bet Sy Bee
remembers it when he fished it out of Hackers Creek!!
The third fire chief was Bob Stewart Sr. Of this I am humbly proud and would have never
been in the fire service today if it weren’t for he and my dad. I was fortunate enough to have
grown up in the fire service my entire life. It’s all I’ve ever known. Maybe that’s why I have
chosen to be your speaker this evening. I am not only honored of his many accomplishments, but
also pleased to know he set precedence to helping and volunteering in the community. He was the
fire chief for many many years as well as an instructor. Training and teaching the knowledge that
he had. I’m sure he forgot more than I’ll ever know and for that I am very grateful. Love you Pap!
Now for others, I see the soft side of him….I mean he is my grandpa. But I guess he could be pretty
stern and forthcoming at points throughout his career or so I’ve been told. I remember when
there were only certain people holding keys to the building, not just anyone could go and come as
they wished. Responsibility and respect was earned not given. All pretty good traits if you asked
me. With his help and the help of people like Rex Johnson, Blair Johnson, John Kolb, John Funk,
Cliff Williams, Willard McWhorter, Lewis Watson, Dale Williams, Darrell Cottrill or as we called
him “Tootles”, Jack Garton, Bob Stewart Jr., Dave Cottrill, Steve Allman, Kevin Queen, Jim Paugh,
Eddie Harbert, and more they accomplished a lot and were able to continue the pride in our
department.
In 1977 big changes were on the horizon. The members had outgrown the building where
they were currently housed and were looking for property to expand. At that time the city of Jane
Lew owned the property where the current department sits today. The town had tried to acquire
property between the ballfield and the current gospel church. There was one little problem. The
owner of the property would not sell to the town of Jane Lew. The treasurer at that time Blair
Johnson, approached the owners and asked them to sell to the Fire Department the property that
is the current home of the babe ruth baseball field. The owners agreed and the JLFD bought it.
They in a property exchange with the city made a land deal. The fire department would pay the
city $1.00 per year lease on the property in which we currently reside until ownership had been
switched. The property would exchange hands and the building for the new Jane Lew Fire
Department would begin. It was a 3 bay building with full kitchen and meeting room with offices
adjacent. This would now be our home.
With start up funds and major contributions and donations from the community it started
to be home. With that comes enormous financial debt and to compensate the members would
begin adding to realm of fundraising activities. Not only would they perform efforts on their own,
but also they would rely heavily on the ladies auxiliary. Over the course of starting this, the ladies
would serve dinners for groups and organizations (such as the Shriners, etc) endlessly. Serving
dinners 4-5 nights a week a lot times. This would also bring on the newest idea…. In 1978 they
started BINGO! What started in the meeting room eventually would grow and expand to the bays
it was so big. Sounds like raising money has been and will constantly be forthcoming issues dealt
in the fire service.
We continued with additional things, like the carnival, parade and fireman rodeo in the
early 80’s. With board games, games of chance, dime toss, and such. They also parked cars every
Saturday night at the Weston Raceway as a way to make money. They also started selling locator
signs. Cliff Williams was the treasurer then. They would assign people locator numbers on a
yellow sign and sell them for a $20 yearly fee. They would haul water to fill swimming pools, and

to farmers if it was dry or a drought season. Anything they could do to keep moving forward they
would try.
In 1980 they decided to start the Jane Lew Fireman’s Festival. The starting committee was
Bob and Reta Stewart, Juanita Stanley, Martha Windon, and Willodean McQuain. Pretty good idea I
would say. The first craft show boast 12 tables of crafters. Every Labor Day weekend since it has
been growing and moving toward one of the largest craft festivals in the State. We served chicken
on a grill, to doing boot day/road tolls, and we even decided eventually that we would like to take
over working the kitchen inside ourselves. Who in the hell came up with that??? There was good
times, there were bad. From making dogs bloody to some beverages, and then the infamous
“SHUT ER DOWN” in permanent black marker on the wall, it was time we made new solutions and
changed the operation. Coordinating efforts with Ellen Ball, we now have over 200 crafters, 6 food
vendors and over 10,000 visitors on that weekend. The toilet is stopped up and the bathroom is
out of toilet paper every 5 minutes. I swear!! But, Ultimately being our biggest fundraiser to this
day!!
In 1981 the Lewis County Commission had approved and budgeted to assist Fire
departments with funds for acquisition of new fire engines. They allowed our department the
amount of $60,000 toward the purchase to be made. With rising cost and added expense to buy
the equipment to outfit the new truck that would be enough to almost pay ½ of the expense. With
a price tag of nearly $120,000.00 Pierce Manufacturing won the bid and off to Wisconsin we would
go. The new custom Ford Chassis with fire body would be designed and built brand new from
Appleton and boast to be one of the finest fire apparatus made during its time. With a 10 speed
electric shift and a clever shift pattern, it would allow our department to really surpass the times
and meet the needs of our community. So up to now all fire trucks had been red or red & white.
Why do we have lime green fire trucks now?? Well, while specking this truck and doing
researching options for the truck, the national highway safety council had done a publication
about highway safety. It said that they performed a national visibility study and had determined
that lime green was better visibly and would provide a safer alternative to the traditional red. So,
there you have it, we have green trucks, and the rest is history. I don’t necessarily understand but
that’s not for me to make sense of I guess. We like to stand out maybe hoping one day they ripen
up and we blend in maybe.
In 1983 we would purchase a new brush truck Mini 28. In those times, you couldn’t get a 1
ton dually truck with 4wd. So the members once again surpassed the obstacle and would have an
aftermarket 4wd system installed in the truck. It would go like a tank. Climb hillsides to assist
with rural fires, brush fires, and literally go when nothing else would. One problem… it had a
turning radius of…… ZERO! Horrible. But we made it work. In 1985 we realized the tanker was
outdated so we purchased a tanker and had the work performed at 4 Guys Fire Apparatus in
Meyersdale PA. A tandem axle 2200-gallon tanker on a ford chassis with an air shift split 10
speed. Another fun and clever one to drive but got the job done for many years. Our fleet was
growing and we were getting stronger and stronger. Soooooo…
In 1987, it was time once again to expand. What was once a 3 bay firehouse would become
a 6 bay firehouse. We decided to build on once again. Many contributions, and donations from
businesses, help from the community, and multiple continuous fund raising efforts we were able
to make this possible. We added 3 bays, offices upstairs in the mezzanine area, 2 additional
restrooms, another fully serviceable kitchen, and hose tower.
Moving forward, we traded the 1977 ford van and acquired a box style ambulance. We
would refurbish it and make it a support vehicle to haul manpower to the scene. Many people
would go on to get sick in the back of this thing. Eddie Taylor used to have an old car symbol from
a car that said “Buick” for that reference. Rt. 19 north to buffalo lake will get you every time.

By this time we had our fourth fire chief. My mentor, my dad, Bob Stewart Jr. From the
stories I’ve heard most, he was clever enough to drive that paddle shifting electric 10 speed pretty
well. I remember watching the members jump on the tailboard as he is setting with the rpm’s
revving trying to build the air to release the brakes. I’ve been really fortunate to have two great
mentors in the fire service. It has been and continues to be part of my life and for that I’m very
thankful. The fire service is often a family affair. As you could see from the afore mentioned
names of brothers and dad/sons. The Johnsons, Bees, Donnellans, and Gartons, Darrell Cottrill
and his son Dave Cottrill and Daves son Ryan. Kevin, Keith, and Kedrin Queen (2 brothers and a
sister) Derek Harbert and his dad Eddie Harbert. The Lambs, Zach Lamb and his dad Todd who
was a member here for a long time. Dave Lamb and his son Jared Lamb. And I’m pretty sure Dave
has a grandson Landon (or as we call him “Fish bones”) who I bet will also continue in those
footsteps. The Oldakers who kind of did it backwards. Mikey joined, then Mitchell, then there dad
Mike (OMO). Edsel Smith and his son Jason Smith. And who could ever forget the Bassells???
Now that was a father son duo. WOW!! Im sure there’s someone I’ve forgot and if so I apologize.
But it’s really all about family. That’s what this shows us. The countless times we’ve missed
sporting events, cheerleading, practices, games, family holidays, meals, and events. The list could
go on and on but this is what makes us as great as we are.
With that being said right about now was the flood of 1985. Devastating to say the least. A
horrible situation for our town and county. It was the worst flood since the 50’s. Water so high it
was at the garage doors of the Fire department. They would set the boat in the water from the bay
doors to help perform rescues of people trapped. The interstate was closed from the water
making it impossible. Steve Allman can tell you about taking the mini pumper to the interstate for
some out of state folks, driving a bronco, who thought they could make it through even though it
was clearly impassible. To the rescue he went with a crew of people. I even bet Tom Cordwell
remembers that. Just a little side note about Tom. We were on a working structure fire one day,
and Tom is a little superstitious. I had no idea either. His assigned number was 213. Tom
apparently hated it until that day. We had a collapse and part of the structure (namely the entire
chimney of this house) collapsed and began to crumble. Tom was at that part of the house when it
happened and he managed to be unscathed as it fell around him. After that he swore he loved the
number 13 and would wear it proudly. Sorry for the deviation, but we’ll get back to the task at
hand. With all of the devastation and negatives that would come from the flood there was
definitely one shining moment. A person was trapped due to high water and needed help.
Obviously we were called upon and went to assist him. With no harm done and waters receded,
this person would decide to become part of the family that once helped him so he could pay it
forward and help others. This member would become hugely active in the department, and is still
a member to this day last year celebrating 30 years. The reason I want to highlight this person is
because of what he has done to help others and how much he has went beyond the call of duty to
help our department. As we all grow older, we often become burnt out, or job changes don’t allow
for us to run fire calls as we once used to. We may take on a different role, as there is always
something for someone to do. This person became an administrative officer of the department.
Let me tell you a little bit about what he’s done. Almost single handily (with some help from Dave
Lamb & Eddie Taylor) was able to apply for and secure multiple award winning grant projects. He
helped us obtain new Self contained breathing apparatus for the entire department, new Turnout
gear for every member, New extrication equipment (jaws of life), a cascade air trailer, a fire
prevention trailer, and a new tanker! Roughly $500,000 in equipment. Pretty amazing if you ask
me. Who is this guy? Steve Scott, lifelong department treasurer. He manages our money…. Thank
God! I would be remised if I also didn’t thank Dave Lamb and Eddie Taylor in these endeavors as
well. If you will please join me by a round of applause in thanking these gentlemen for there

efforts in the betterment of equipment that would have been virtually impossible to obtain
otherwise. (Applause)
OK… Moving forward…. Somewhere along the line, we had a jeep donated to us from the
City of Jane Lew. It was the old police cruiser. We painted it up and used it as another support
vehicle.
In 1992, It was past time to replace our 1965 GMC pumper. We would spec and buy a
Commercial Ford Chassis and assign the work to 4 Guys Fire Apparatus for a new fire engine.
Engine 22. It was the main rescue engine. The first engine out. It was the new thing and was
introduced at the JLFD Christmas banquet of that year. Parked inside the bay to showcase our
new truck… it was the entire craze… Until you decided to drive it. That thing wont get out of its
own way. No no just kidding. Well kind of. It would boast to be a major working component in
our fleet and is still actively running to this day. It once helped saved the apartments from
burning down so its not that bad I guess!! HAHA
By this time Bob Stewart Jr had retired and we had our 5 th Fire Chief Bob Adkins. I don’t
know if you remember this guy or not. Oh but I’m sure you do. He came to us with a military
background and a demeanor that would present just that.
In 1999 we would replace that ambulance/support unit with a new 1999 Ford F-550. With
a 5 man cab and a walkout utility box on the box equipped with air packs and a kappa bear system
it was ready to go. It too would make you sick if you rode in the back. I don’t know what it is
about those trucks!
In 2001 things would take a drastic change and there was what seemed to be more
commotion in this county about a red Durango that had been left at a rest area than there was
about OJ Simpson being chased in a bronco. Seriously. It was crazy.
With that brought a special meeting, and we now have our 6 th fire chief Dave Lamb. Dave
joined the department in 1987 and will celebrate 30 years next year. Dave’s tenure in the
department was very colorful as a young man. He would fight fire with the best of them. There
was never a dull moment, and always the life of the party. He was someone that I looked up to
immensely. I was starting to become of the age to really coming around more and participating as
a member as his tenure through the ranks of captain. He taught me about fighting fire, and
accepting me to be one of the guys. He and my grandpa may have had a few rocky roadblocks
along the way but that was part of the fun of being here and I truly think its what helped make him
a good fire chief and leader. He was always willing to learn. He was always looking out for the
betterment of the department and the safety of the members he was in charge of. With a great
group of people behind him, anything was possible and great strides were made. Dave we thank
you! I still remember the campaign banners in the windows of cars! Love it.
In 2004 we decided it was time for a change once again. The 1981 Ford Pierce engine had
been a good truck and was loved by many. It was however outdated and time to be replaced. Two
motors and a transmission later it had seen its better days. Ask Bill Johns. The truck committee
specked and priced engines with pierce manufacturing once again winning the bid. It hadn’t been
since 1981 we had made that trip to Appleton Wisconsin, but it seemed fitting that the truck it
would replace would be manufactured and built there as well. Remember it’s all about family
around here. The group in 1981 was lucky enough to get to fly to the plant. Us? Not so much.
George Owens ( the Finley/Pierce rep) rented a conversion van, picked us up at 6am from Jane
Lew and myself, Eddie Taylor, Dave Lamb, Mike Oldaker, and Mitch Oldaker were Wisconsin
bound. The 1941 Mack cost $300. This truck $330,000.00
In 2007 we purchased a 2007 GMC Truck / support unit and cascade air trailer with
funding from a grant, in 2008 we would replace our mini pumper with a new 2008 GMC Brush
Truck equipped with pump and integrated foam system. Designed for support, manpower, and
specifically for fighting brush fires.

In 2009 we were gracious enough to receive a grant for a new 2009 International Tanker
single axle elliptical tank to replace our 1985 Ford tanker. Thankfully for the federal aid, this
would keep the department more in compliance with state and federal mandates. Very lucky and
fortunate. Shewww, finally that brings us up to date.
It was right about this time that we started again brainstorming for more fundraising ideas.
The state had implemented a program that each compliant department in WV would receive
funding every quarter. In 1991 Lewis County had imposed a fire fee as well, so with these source
of incomes, it helped but wasn’t and isn’t substantial enough to operate. Back to the drawing
board. We tried raffles, 4 wheelers and trailers, baskets, quilts, but we were looking for something
that was even bigger and would garner greater return for our work. We began and still currently
sponsor a golf tournament. Great fund raiser. Great camaraderie and a pretty fun way to make
money at the same time.
By this time we would have our 7 th fire chief Eddie Taylor. What is there to say really about
this guy? A natural born leader. A highly trained individual who would truly incorporate
everything he learned through the years. His training you might ask? Well he attended every
class he could take. Always looking for new adventurous ways to garner knowledge. He was a
Weston fireman, a Walkersville fireman, and Buckhannon fireman. He came to us in the year
2000. He was an immediate fixture. Bob Adkins had asked him to head the junior program,
assume all responsibility and train them. One of his first clients…Mitchell Oldaker. Some might
say job well done Chief. Another was Dusty Lambert. Dusty is currently a paid fireman for the
City of Fairmont. Mitchell is running for fire chief in 2017. I think it was a success. He has been
always for the members, allowing them to showcase their talent and showing charismatic
criticism when they might do something less than satisfactory. A guy that led many people in the
field of battle with the weapons they were dealt and always assured that they would prevail.
Someone that stood by you, had your back, and always knew what to say and how to say it.
Someone to show you that you could always be better than what you thought possible. He was a
lead instructor and continues to be for WVU Fire Academy. What an inspiration and trueborn
leader for not only our fire department but also the fire service industry as a whole. I think
knowing him for the person he is speaks louder volumes than any words I might speak could ever
tell you.
In 2012 our 8 th fire chief was yours truly Bobby Stewart. A position that I really wasn’t sure
about and had severe reservation about. I only served one term. I had numerous things going on
in my world and felt it best that I didn’t continue. I retired after that year and Eddie had agreed to
take back the helm. I find it admirable that we’ve only had 8 fire chiefs in 75 years. It’s a position
that isn’t for the weak at heart. Most people don’t understand there are two sides to the fire
department. The admin side and the fire side. Everyone always associates the department to the
chief. Every question seems to go to the chief. Eddie has announced his retirement at the end of
the year 2016 and we will elect a new fire chief to continue on as we move forward. Another
moment in history. Someone and something else to set more future goals. To that person
whoever it may be I say Good Luck and God Bless. Its exciting to say the least, stressful, but
exciting.
As we moved forward further fundraising efforts continue. We began doing a cash bash.
We joined forces with Jackson Mill FD to collaborate efforts in maximizing profits. For several
years we proceeded with the joint effort until a few years back we branched off and decided to do
this venture ourselves. It has worked well. First with Eddie heading the charge then Derek
Harbert stepped up to take the reigns it has proven to be a great fundraiser for our department
and is still going strong today.
Let us not forget the Ladies Auxiliary. They have proven since 1945 to be a force of support
for our department. They raised money. They paid for and had built the pavilion on the end of the

building. You know the one the Lions Club caught on fire once or twice…I don’t remember how.
But nonetheless they fixed the damage. The auxiliary is our backbone. It’s hard to keep people
participating, no different than the firefighters. It is hard work, a lot of behind the scenes
contributions, but without them we wouldn’t be where we are today. There isn’t enough thank
yous in the world for what they have done and continue to do.
In 2013 the membership developed a building committee to redesign and refurbish our
building. We approached the USDA about grants available to assist in funds. They granted us a
loan with matching funds to help in assisting to perform several items of much needed work to
our building for remodel and repairs. With their assistance we were able to renovate the large
bay, meeting room, bathrooms, kitchen, weight room, roof, and garage doors. We have continued
what was started 75 years ago and look forward to continuing on the great foundation that was
paved before us. I say we keep the pressure on!!
As we move forward in 2016, and on to 2017, there are no dirt floors, no ¾ boots and coats.
There are hydrants, city water, an integrated 911 systems and office of emergency management.
There’s so many regulations and mandates it would make your head spin. Donald Trump is the
President Elect. The city is growing, the town is growing, the community is growing, and we have
to adapt to every possibility that comes our way. We have to be ready to go and respond in a
moments notice. Always know that history is what makes us remember and desire is what forges
us ahead. We have to want to be great. We have to want to be better. We have to want to be the
best we can. We represent our families, our department, our community, and ourselves. Eyes are
always on us. Every move we make. We represent this department. We are family. Our founders,
charter members, and past members paved the way for us to be where we are today. Without
them we have nothing. Its up to us to carry the baton, keep the fire burning, and make strides to
continue in the success that they have taught us. 75 years is a long time. It’s basically a business
adventure that we have to constantly work at to prove our success. Always welcoming change,
and always striving to be better makes our mark in history. I think as you see we have a great
history. Lets make memories. Lets leave something for the ones coming behind us to see, to enjoy,
and to want to strive to be better than what we leave them. Always be the better person. Always
be willing to help someone in need. Volunteer to help people even when you don’t get a thank you.
Have pride. Be proud of who you are and what you represent. Just know that in the end whatever
you accomplish that you have given your best. Just know this. Most importantly be you. Work
with your family, form a brotherhood, and be willing to protect them. Nothing can ever take that
away.
With that I say to you, thank you, God bless the community and town of Jane Lew, God bless
you and your families, God bless Jane Lew Fire Department, and God Bless America! May each of
you have a blessed holiday season and a very Merry Christmas! Thank you!