Water View to honor Dwight Daniel Saturday
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by Tom Chillemi
Ask someone to describe Dwight Daniel and words such as “compassionate, dedicated and committed” come to mind.
To show its appreciation, a grateful Water View community has named Daniel grand marshal for the Water View Independence Day celebration and parade this Saturday, June 25.
About 1996, Daniel brought his philosophy of helping people with him when he joined the Upper Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department and earned the respect and admiration of members.
“It seems fitting that Dwight, who has given so much to the community, should be recognized as grand marshal of the Water View Parade,” said Jackie Lawson, who served for 17 years as president of the UMVFD Ladies Auxiliary. “I consider it an honor to have this man be part of our Water View fire department family. It is men like him, with passion and zeal, that are the backbone of any volunteer organization.
“I believe that any volunteer organization is only as good as its members, and we are very blessed to have such a great group of men and women volunteers,” said Lawson.
For many years Daniel played a major role in maintaining fire department vehicles and equipment, doing so at minimal cost, which is very important for a small volunteer fire department. “Dwight is a tremendous asset,” said George D. Ellis, president of the UMVFD.
Daniel has a lot of common sense at a scene, said Ellis. “He has a knack for fighting fires and emergency situations.”
Time and again Daniel has demonstrated his commitment and dedication to the department and the members, said Ellis. He has given up his weekends and countless hours to cut grass and help at the fire department.
Lawson said working with Daniel “you are guaranteed a good time… there is never a dull moment.”
Lawson added that Daniel is always looking to improve things. “You learned very quickly that he would tell you what he thought was good or bad.”
Lawson remembers Daniel’s help and support when her husband was shot in Washington, D.C., 15 years ago while coming home from work.
“While Allen was in the hospital Dwight was right there trying to help and do anything he could to help us. I remember coming home from the hospital one evening and there he was with Harvey Daniel cutting our grass,” Lawson recalled. “When my father died he once again was right there offering help and support.”
Daniel was born, raised and still lives in Remlik, where he and his wife Gina and their grown son Emory have made their home.
Dwight and Gina worked together to successfully write grant applications that obtained funds for the UMVFD.
Daniel enjoys hunting, is a Civil War enthusiast and likes to help others. As a member of the UMVFD, Daniel has held positions of First Lieutenant, Second Lieutenant, Captain, Treasurer, and is now Assistant Chief.
Daniel is employed at Haynesville Correctional Center.
The Daniels’ son Emory is also very involved with the UMVFD. That’s not surprising—Emory has great role models.
On Saturday, the people of Water View will show their appreciation to Dwight Daniel—a man of deep dedication to his family, friends and community.
The public is invited to attend the parade, children’s carnival, crafts, food, and closest-to-the-pin contest for golfers, and a spectacular fireworks show.
For more information, please call 758-5545, 804-370-4181 or 758-4816.
