Beaver Island Firefighters Show Tremendous Character

Post by **Gillespie** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 4:02 am

At around 5 pm last night a fire broke out at my warehouse just west of the four corners, this is immediately west of Martins propane tank farm. Well, the building, 80x68 was a total loss but Beaver Island's Volunteer Firefighters put forth a fantastic effort not only to attempt to save the building but when that could not be done focused their efforts on keeping the East wall of the building intact which deflected heat and flames from a 30,000 gallon propane tank sitting less than 75 feet away, it was something to see. This writer virtually loss all possessions acquired in a lifetime in business but it means nothing to the sacrifice and courage of these brave men and women. The Beaver Island community should be very proud of these people and those who are not on the fire department roster who showed up and gave their all. Laura and I and our children want to express our complete gratitude for the effort made, thank you all!!

debrob2 · Post by **debrob2** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 6:06 am

Rich, Laura and Family...
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your attitude and perspective on this is amazing and inspiring. If you need anything, add my name (as well as John's) to list of people who would be honored to help. I don't know what the next step is...whether we can help with a shovel or a shoulder...either way....we are ready, willilng and able...just say the word.
Debbie & Johnny B

Kim Connaghan Jones · Post by **Kim Connaghan Jones** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 8:29 am

Richie I'm sorry to hear about your loss.I can't imagine what you guys must be feeling right now.If there is anything I can do please let me know.

A great BIG round of applause to the BI Fire Dept for a job well done as always.You guys and gals are great

Chamber of Commerce · Post by **Chamber of Commerce** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 1:16 pm

"A great BIG round of applause to the BI Fire Dept for a job well done as always. You guys and gals are great."

May I second that!

Very sorry about your loss Richie. As always Beaver Island will be there to help.

Steve

beckyg44 · Post by **beckyg44** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 4:57 pm

Ritchie, Laura and family,

Even though I am not on the island if there is anything that I can do to help please let me know...you have done so much for our family and definitely would like to reciprocate. Great job by the BI Fire Dept to keep everything well maintained so that an even bigger disaster was averted.

Becky Gerace

Sheri Timsak · Post by **Sheri Timsak** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 8:09 pm

Our family is so sorry for your loss and since you have always been there with a kind word, poem or thought for others, please know that we are thinking of you all during this time and we would all be willing to grab a shovel. What a wonderful group of people that we have here on this island, for when things are at there worst, they are at their best!!!!

BigMike · Post by **BigMike** » Thu Oct 16, 2008 9:21 pm

I wish I was there to give you a hug. Let us know if we can help. We're thinking of you .

Mike and Jen

Jim A · Post by **Jim A** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 12:52 pm

Sorry to hear about your loss. Glad no one was injured.
Small Island - Big Hearts

Jim A
Rosema Group

Joyce · Post by **Joyce** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 6:04 pm

Richie, I'm so sorry and also very glad no one was hurt and that Beaver Island has those marvelous fire, medical and police teams!!

sorensc · Post by **sorensc** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 8:00 pm

Richie and Laura, we're so sorry to hear about your loss. Please let us know if we can help in any way.
Kudos to the BI Fire Dept!!

The Sorensens

Sean · Post by **Sean** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 7:41 pm

Richie, That is bad new's about the barn. Glad to hear that the Firefighter's were able to keep the heat off the propane tank. Sounds like a top notch team! Good job!!

nancy · Post by **nancy** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 10:18 am

Richie - sorry to hear about the loss of your warehouse and possessions in there.

Congratulations to the BI Fire Department from keeping the propane tank, gas station and substation from blowing up!!!

Nancy Peterson