As I gear up to trot the annual Lake Burton Fun
Run, I find myself thinking not of sweat, heat or lime-flavored Gatorade, but
of one of the landmarks along its route: the Wildcat Volunteer Fire Department.
And how much the property has changed in just one year. Fourteen months ago, a
tornado came ‘round the mountain, plunking itself right smack on top of the station.
Twister, plus ensuing fire, equaled complete destruction of the property. Trees, trucks and equipment lay in smoldering ruin too.
Only one of the fire trucks survived. Driven out of
the burning building, by who else – a quick-thinking fire fighter. A year
later, through much planning and toil, the station has been rebuilt, under the
keen direction of Chief Pat Thompson. Offices, kitchen, bunkrooms, rec room –
two floors of impressive space. It was the chief’s idea to take the
ruined pecan tree out back and create the station’s kitchen cabinets from its
wood. They turned out beautifully. Someone call Martha Stewart.
Jokingly, I asked Chief Thompson, “Where do blue prints for fire
stations even come from…greathomes.com?”
He answered, slightly embarrassed, “Well, I designed it.”
So humble. Truth is, not only did he create the floor
plan; his own hands did much of the labor. Along with the rest of the volunteer
fire fighters. They all worked together building back up what Mother Nature had
torn down.
At this spring’s open house, chief Thompson took me
aside. He pointed out the one lucky fire truck which made it out alive. And its back melted light, now reduced to droopy white plastic. He could've had it fixed. But chief has left it disfigured on purpose - to remember. Now looking entirely akin to an oversized marshmallow gone wrong, it gave me shivers.
They should drive the truck to schools on don't-play-with-matches day. Nothing
beats a great visual aid.
From the two bunkrooms, freshly painted game room
and Viking stove tucked between those hand-made cabinets, there was much to
admire at the station’s open house. But my favorite was the people. Each
fireman associated with the station seemed on hand for the big day. They wore
their uniforms and polished nametags and smiles. It was an honor to meet so
many of them.
If you ever find yourself in Rabun County, Georgia, drive past the Wildcat V.F.D. station. Maybe even park out front, admire its million dollar view of Lake Burton. Stunning location. I'm sure the old station thought so too.
The old station. Gone, but not forgotten. Through the years, it housed much
more than red trucks and equipment. Swinging wide its doors welcoming church services, local meetings and educational programming. That was then. I can only imagine all that will take place
under this new station's watch and keep. It's off to a beautiful start.
http://www.rabuncountygov.com/firedepartment.html
www.kathleenmoorephotography.com
