Ronnie Russell has been named grand marshal of the Water View Independence Day-themed parade, set for 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 5.
Russell was just 18 years old when he became a charter member of the Water View Fire Department when it formed in fall 1966. (In time it became the Upper Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department [UMVFD].) Today, at 77 years of age, Russell is the last surviving charter member, of a long list of founding members that includes John Langford, Bernard Sickal, Carter Smith, James Verlander Jr., Woodrow Abbott Sr., Woodrow “Woody” Abbott Jr., George Parker, George Ellis Jr., Callie Thrift, “Dippy” Higgins, Donnie Morton, Walter Smith, Tom Smith, Bobby Shackelford, Sam Abbott, Dean Sickal, Pat Baine and Ronnie Russell.
Gratitude
As a member of UMVFD for nearly 60 years, Russell, who is still chaplain, said he’s grateful. “I thank the fire department for honoring me with this recognition.”
UMVFD Chief Billy Collier commented, “Ronnie has done a lot for the fire department.”
The fire department has been a big part of Russell’s life for a long time. “Working and sharing with other members we have been sort of like a band of brothers,” Russell said. “There were some really good times and yet others when we wondered if we would stay afloat.”
Start
The “Water View Fire Department” came to life when several members of the Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) in Urbanna suggested that a fire department be formed in Water View, for better coverage in the upper part of Middlesex. Those MVFD members were Charles Bristow, Jimmy Pitts, Bill Thrift, Jonesy Payne and Thames Brown. They agreed that Urbanna would help finance a building and give Water View a 1946 Ford pumper and a 1953 Ford tanker, which was an old gas truck.
The first meeting was in fall 1966 with construction planned for 1967-1968. Donnie Morton agreed to give the land for the firehouse as long as the location remained a firehouse. With a lot of volunteer work the firehouse was finished in late 1968.
Early days
In the early days, John Langford and Bernard Sickal had phones in their homes to receive emergency calls. When an emergency call came in, men would go to the firehouse while their wives Elva Langford and Lena Sickal would call the rest of the firemen. “Lena Sickal and Elva Langford are the last of the original ladies auxiliary members,” Russell said. “They all have earned our thanks.”
Later the county purchased monitors for firefighters to receive calls.
Growing
Fund drives started. Turkey shoots, suppers, and monthly dances made up the bulk of the fundraising, along with help from the MVFD in Urbanna.
In the early 1970s the Water View Fire Department bought its first new truck. “It was a great day for the firemen and the community,” said Russell.
The UMVFD auxiliary helped buy air packs and new turnout gear for firefighters.
In time, the fire departments in Urbanna and Water View became independent. Water View purchased a new 1,500 gallon tanker truck.
Some years later Lena Sickal sold the fire department a parcel of land so that later the UMVFD was able to construct a much larger building.
By this time, a younger generation was coming along, said Russell. The fire department made good progress with the help of Billy Moncure of Carrier Heat and Air, and Otis Ryman of Ryman’s Cooling and Heat, who gave the department state-of-the-art heat and cooling systems.
Today
With the help of Middlesex County funds, new members joining, and help of the auxiliary, UMVFD has moved into the 21st century, said Russell. “In the last 10 years we have been able to purchase new state-of-the-art equipment,” he said. “A big thank you goes to all who have made this happen, so that we may be able to continue to serve the upper Middlesex community.”
Memories
During his younger years, Russell was very aggressive when the emergency tones came. “I was often first on the scene. I am not saying I am as good as Tom ‘Hollywood’ Brooks. We are so lucky to have him; he is always there! I am slowing down now but still try to do what I can.”
Dorm fire
Russell recalled a dorm fire at Christchurch School (CCS). “Thames Brown, Guy Abbott and myself were at the top of the second floor stairs. There was a flashback (explosion) that blew all three of us down the stairs on top of one another; no one was injured, wow!” Russell said.
Barn fire
Another memorable emergency call happened on a Sunday. “We were at the racetrack working and a severe thunderstorm came up,” Russell said. “We were heading home and we got a tone for a barn fire at Church View. I went directly there. Bill Thrift, Jonesy Payne and myself were the first to arrive. Water View tanker could not get out of Water View because a large tree had blown down across the road so we had no help until Urbanna arrived.
“George Baxter, the owner, and his daughter were yelling that there were animals trapped in the barn. The top of the barn totally was engulfed. Jonesy Payne was throwing water to Bill Thrift while Mr. Baxter and I were trying to get the animals out. Bill Thrift did not have a helmet on and burning straw started to fall on his head. He ran out of the barn just as the loft collapsed on the right side of Mr. Baxter and me. The burning straw pushed us into a stall.
“At this point I saw a dark streak. It was Mr. Baxter plowing through the burning straw and I followed right behind him. The Lord was just not ready for us at that time.
“We went to the back of a stall and saved the last horse. We used an old cowboy trick, wrapped a coat around his head and got him out. By this time Urbanna had arrived and we had water again.”
Barbara Baxter reminded Russell recently of this fire and how it remained a story her father would tell from time to time.
There are many stories like these about volunteer firefighters who continue to serve their communities, said Russell.
Honored
“I feel like I have reached my greatest honor now as grand marshal, even though I have served in every office of the department at one time or another,” Russell said. “I have been chaplain now for quite some time. I know God can still use me.”
