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City honors men’s half-century of service |
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Friday, 30 May 2008 |
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By Ken Koerner
Register Staff 5-29-2008
Two exceptional individuals were honored for their 50-plus years of service as dedicated volunteers in the Bishop Fire Department during Monday’s City Council meeting.
Bishop residents Larry Huffman and Clifford Jones were recognized not only by the City of Bishop for their many years in service to the community, but also by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Huffman and his wife Joann were present for the proceedings. Jones, feeling a “bit under the weather,” was represented with great respect and affection by his son, John Jones. Clifford’s spouse, Shirley, stayed home to keep her husband company – and “watch the proceedings on television.”
In a ceremony in the Council Chambers on May 27, City Council members joined Bishop Fire Chief Ray Seguine in saluting the combined 100-plus years of commitment each of these men – and their families – have offered to help protect their many grateful neighbors.
“The hours each of these men have provided to help sustain and enhance the operations of the Bishop Volunteer Fire Department and the Bishop Rural Fire District are incalculable,” Seguine said, “and I remind everyone that when an individual signs on as a firefighter, their families also make a sacrifice alongside the firefighters themselves. When the fire siren goes off, whether it’s during a Christmas dinner with loved ones, or on the chilliest of New Year’s Eve nights, the men and women that provide fire protection to our community are stepping aside from personal moments to answer that call – and so then, do each member of their family contribute their own sacrifice. I can’t thank Larry Huffman and Clifford Jones enough – and each and every member of their families – for supporting their willingness to be there for this community whenever and however it was asked of them.”
In addition to the heartfelt expression of gratitude offered by Seguine, both of these men also received personal thanks in writing from Governor Schwarzenegger.
The governor’s proclamation, read aloud for all to hear, stated,
“Congratulations on being honored by the City of Bishop for more than 50 years of service to the Bishop Fire Department.
“I deeply appreciate your courage and commitment to protect Bishop’s residents and their property. Your efforts are an inspiration to your peers and all Californians, and I am proud to join the city in honoring your fantastic dedication.
“California’s firefighters have demonstrated time and again that they are the absolute best in the world. They bravely face tremendous dangers and overcome challenging conditions. You can take pride in being on of those firefighters, and I thank you for enhancing the integrity of such a noble position.
“Please accept my best wishes for every future success and happiness,
“Sincerely, Arnold Schwarzenegger.”
Bishop Rural Fire Department Chairman Lloyd Anderson was also on hand to personally thank these men for their extraordinary willingness to serve for more than five decades. Anderson presented a special plaque and award to honor their service.
City Councilmember Jeff Griffiths also provided the familiar recognition of a City of Bishop Tile to the honorees, as often occurs when an individual’s service to the city has gone “above and beyond.”
Councilmember Susan Cullen ensured that each firefighter’s wife was also shown appropriate appreciation by presenting each a bouquet of flowers.
Huffman’s work with the Bishop Fire Department started shortly after his 18th birthday when he formally joined up, though it was pointed out he was really helping the department at an earlier age, as his father was the assistant chief at that time.
Huffman has played a long and instrumental role to ensure ambulance and emergency medical response was available to the community prior to a paramedic ambulance service’s establishment in 1986.
It was noted in remarks during the ceremony that “Larry used his skills in designing and building up trucks for the department and along with Howard Holland designed the emblem patch that is still worn today.”
Huffman, who became an assistant fire chief after his retirement from 28 years with Amerigas, decided to “step back to the position of Battalion Chief in September, 2007.
Jones joined the Bishop Fire Department in 1958, and is recognized by the department for “donating many hours to the building and maintenance of all the fire trucks.”
Jones spent 37 years working for Edison in the Eastern Sierra.
Beyond his community service as a primary member of the fire department, Jones has also supported his community as an active member of the VFW and the Lions Club in Bishop.
Jones was also active with the group responsible for “first bringing television to the area.”
Undoubtedly, both Huffman and Jones will continue to be a prominent presence in support of their beloved department and their fellow firefighters. |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 09 July 2008 )
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