Residents and volunteers of the Inspiration Point Rural Fire Protection District in Eureka Springs West celebrated the loyal service of their retiring Chief Ed Thompson by conducting a rural parade and award ceremony last Wednesday night. Thompson, who served almost 10 years as Chief, was honorably escorted by lighted fire-protection vehicles to where volunteers and officers stood at attention awaiting his arrival.
Incumbent Chief Austin Kennedy led the ceremony beginning with a speech and letter of recognition from Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchison who thanked Thompson for his faithful service to the community.
“He was hands-on in training, taking on the responsibility of teaching firefighters how to protect themselves when they went into danger,” Kennedy said. “He was a chief who sweated the details to teach every aspect of the profession, from the mundane to the most active. Ed led from the front.”
Officers Phil Kimball, Justin Capps, Mike Camp, Joe Foust and Kennedy presented Thompson with an achievement award which was followed by an honorary radio salute and tone-out.
“My approach to public service is inspired by Ed,” Kennedy said. Thompson said he will continue to serve the IPRFPD in a less-involved capacity providing support to Chief Kennedy.
The event was organized by the Board of Directors and members of the IPRFPD. Secretary Treasurer Carla Short said that all the I.P. fire officers are volunteers. “Nobody gets a dime,” she said. “We have no idea what our firefighters go through – when we are safe in our beds at night they are running all over saving people’s lives.”
IPRFPD provides fire protection services to homes and businesses of western Carroll County, as well as first responder services to the drivers on curvy US 62, and rescue services to boaters and vacationers on and near the White River.
“I love helping the community in time of need,” Capt. Justin Capps said. He has served for more than eight years and credits Thompson for getting him involved saying, “I went to their annual community meeting and left with gear and a radio.”
IPFD President Joe Foust said that responding to the emergency radio is not an easy commitment because service calls come in at any time of day or night, “You just get set down to eat and it goes off.”
“Volunteering is a calling – not a job,” Kennedy said.