Chamber dinner honors town's firefighters and new businesses

Ordinarily highlighting new developments in Wrangell’s economy, the Chamber of Commerce’s 28th annual fundraiser dinner was dedicated to something different this year.

Decorating the Nolan Center ballroom in black and red last Saturday, the theme for 2018 was “Honoring the Spirit of Service,” dedicated specifically to the men, women and youths who devote so much of their time to Wrangell Volunteer Fire Department.

“I can’t think of a better group to honor than those that serve,” said Cyni Crary, executive director for the Chamber.

“Volunteering in general is an essential part of living in this community,” she told the gathered crowd, many of whom were current or retired volunteers with the WVFD. They stood out wearing black departmental shirts and plain red ties. “Sometimes we take for granted what so many of these selfless people do for others.”

Emergency responders are kept busy throughout the year, last year responding to 29 fire calls. Ambulatory calls numbered 213 in 2017, and since 2012 the fire department has answered a total of 1,632, and 185 fire calls. Truly a voluntary service, members often have one or more jobs and other responsibilities to contend with in addition to weekly meetings, regular trainings and emergency responses.

Chief Tim Buness started off the evening with a ringing of the fire bell. “The ringing of the bell is significant in the fire service,” he explained, not only marking end of the shift but also remembering the department’s fallen comrades.

The ballroom had been decorated with pictures and memories of the department’s members in action, and a scrapbook had been assembled remembering those who had served the department over the years.

Between dinner courses and the dinner’s different fundraising activities, Chamber members took turns sharing letters of thanks from an assortment of residents. Some were humorous, while others shared painful memories, but each of them expressed the writers’ gratitude at the department’s service, and its members’ love and professionalism.

“We put out a request for some testimonials, and let me say, the response was very, very personal for many people,” Crary had prefaced. “For some, it’s the most difficult thing they’ve gone through. The emotions run high, and it’s hard to put into words the depth of their experience.

“There are definitely a lot of wonderful things that were sent in. I know the fire department already gets a lot of these letters, and they hear some of this, but it was amazing to get all of these testimonials. All these people are so grateful for what you’ve done for this community.”

Several firefighters’ spouses shared the fears and frustrations they would sometimes feel, given the unrelenting hours and potential danger of the job. But they also expressed their pride in the service, and related their understanding, both of the needs of the community and what compels their husbands to do what they do. The mic was passed around from table to table afterward, giving the audience an opportunity to express themselves as well.

The department as a whole received a special award from the Chamber, its Community Appreciation Award. Proceeds from the dinner’s silent auction and a selected dessert auction went toward WVFD’s upcoming charity stair climb in Seattle, to which it will next month be sending nine firefighters.

As is the dinner’s custom, Wrangell’s Citizen of the Year was honored, based on recommendations submitted by members of the community.

“All of these nominations came in not knowing we were going to honor the fire department,” Crary noted.

This year’s award went to Terry Buness, WVFD’s assistant chief and a firefighter of 47 years. In giving the award, it was pointed out that of the department’s many service calls, Buness is consistently there for most of them, about three quarters of the time.

“It’s been a great ride,” he told the audience, upon receiving his plaque.

Buness pointed out that his dedication reflected that of his fellow firefighters, and that the enterprise was a team effort.

“The biggest thing that makes it work is the whole team,” he said. He extended that to the support of the wider community, to which the department’s members belonged. “You need to thank the entire community.”

At the dinner the event ordinarily highlights Wrangell’s business of the year, but this year Crary said the Chamber would be doing something special. In light of their sheer number, this year the Chamber decided to honor its newest entrepreneurs, highlighting the businesses that started up during 2017. Nearly a dozen were commended for pursuing new ventures in the community, providing services ranging from food and lodgings to local artworks, fashion and recreation accessories.

At the event, Crary also announced the first queen candidates for this year’s July 4 celebrations. Since 1950 the contest has raised funds to support Independence Day festivities and has since evolved to benefit the youth involved. During the month long contest candidates sell tickets, primarily through food booths but also through other activities, and a portion of their earnings goes toward a cause or initiative of their choice.

So far this year, candidates will include McKinley Bosdell, a high school senior. Born in Palmer, she has lived in Wrangell since eighth grade. With her earnings in the competition she would like to finance higher education to become a sign language interpreter.

Running against her will be Kiara Meissner, sister of 2013 competition winner Darian.

“It feels like just yesterday I was helping my sister run,” Kiara remarked. She would like to use her earnings for college as well, pursuing a degree in early childhood education. With that she would like to return to Wrangell to start up her own childcare service.

“It’s a big job and we’re really thankful for both of these ladies,” Crary said. The Chamber is still accepting candidates for the competition. Those interested can inquire at the Chamber office.