The Green River Fire Department recently honored Captain Jeb Burnett for his 35 years of service with the department. Jeb credited his wife Shelley for her support through the years, saying he couldn't have done it without her behind him.
Jeb Burnett and his wife Shelley, center, had their family with them to celebrate Jeb reaching 35 years with the Green River Fire Department. Their son Kole and his wife Karlie brought their children Rowyn, Hudsyn, and Grayson (left). Their daughter Lyndsey brought her daughter Brielle (right). And their daughter Moriah brought her husband BJ and their children Maelie and Tyler (far right).
Jeb Burnett and the other officers and firefighters of GRFD celebrated his 35 years with laughter and smiles.
Firefighters in Green River tend to stick around - some even more than others.
Most volunteer firefighters around the country stay active for about five years. In Green River, the average is higher, with many volunteers serving for roughly a dozen years. But there are only an elite few who have ever reached 35 years with the Green River Fire Department, and now Captain Jeb Burnett has joined their ranks.
GRFD Co-chief Larry Erdmann shared these statistics at a special service award celebration hosted by the GRFD last Thursday night to honor Jeb for his years of service.
An impressive milestone
Chief Erdmann pointed out that hitting the 35-year milestone is an impressive accomplishment, "not only in our department, but in all the volunteer services across the country."
Erdmann noted that, among the 65% of fire departments in the nation that rely on volunteers, Green River is fortunate to have firefighters that serve for longer than most others across the country.
"It's thanks to the dedication, like what Jeb has, that takes that number to such a high level, to the point that our department is one of the only departments that I know of that really doesn't have any problems with retention of firefighters," Chief Erdmann said. "A lot of that is due to the professionalism and the knowledge that comes to the department from Jeb and other officers that have put in time in the department."
Erdmann pointed out that the only others on record to reach 35 years with GRFD were Glenn Hill, George Nomis, and Al Buschelman. Now Jeb is the fourth to make the list.
A departmental impact
Co-chief Bill Robinson noted that the celebration was a chance to honor Jeb for his service, not only to the Green River Fire Department, but to the citizens of Green River as a whole.
"There are not enough words that can describe the impact that you've had on this community and the firefighters," Co-chief Bill Robinson told Jeb. "All I can say is thank you for your remarkable, unmatched 35 years of service."
Robinson pointed out that a lot has changed since Jeb originally started at the department in the late 1980s, from firefighters riding inside the cab of the engine now to being able to roll up their windows automatically to fighting fires with SCBAs (self-contained breathing apparatus), "not like them crazy suckers did it back in the day," Robinson said.
Chief Robinson also noted his appreciation for Jeb's help and his pride in working and learning alongside him.
"When I originally got on the fire department in the 90s, Jeb, you were a go-to for me for information and insight," Robinson said. "From a firefighter standpoint, when I climbed on a truck and headed to a call, it was a relief and comfort to have you as the officer on that truck. I am proud to say that after all these years it's still a relief when I hear your voice and you're bringing that truck. You are a go-to in this service and your dedication is unmatched. I'm not sure I will ever hit 35 years, but if I do I'd like to think it'd be like yours."
Of the approximately 30 GRFD firefighters who gathered, several also spoke to thank Jeb not only for his service, but for the impact he's had on them, from helping out new firefighters to being a main reason some have stayed with the department. They also noted what a powerful impact he's had on the community, and how he is well known and respected.
A family affair
One of the firefighters who spoke has an especially special connection with Jeb. His son, Kole Burnett, has now been with the department for many years and is a lieutenant.
"With me growing up in the fire service with my dad, as soon as I heard that tone go off I was ready to go, I was out the door," Kole said. "Growing up in the fire department has been a good deal for me."
Kole added that his father has always been a mentor for him, and he wants to do the same for others in the future.
"I hope one day that a lot of the younger guys can look up to me and I can be a role model to them," Kole said. "I work towards that and strive for that every day. But I know a lot of people look up to my dad and I appreciate that. So I hope I can go 30 or 35 years like him."
Shelley Burnett also spoke to express both her pride in her husband Jeb and her son Kole for following in his father's footsteps. She recalled having a picture of Kole at three years old wearing light up shoes and his dad's coat, helping put out the bonfire at the high school.
Shelley also recalled all the years of Jeb leaving the family to go fight fires.
"He used to jump out of bed pretty quick," she said. "I can't even tell you guys how many times I've been left at the grocery store and the movies and everything along the way."
But even when her husband had to leave in the middle of events or be gone all day, she understands.
"I've never once been angry or upset or anything because I know that's what's important to him and I appreciate what he does for the community," she said. "I know that he has seen a lot of things that nobody should see and has done a lot of things that nobody should ever have to do in our department. And I have so much gratitude for not only him but for each and every one of you guys that do it. I think it's kind of a thankless job sometimes."
A strong support system
As everyone made the time to thank Jeb for his service, he also extended his gratitude back to them.
He started by thanking his family for their support, noting that he couldn't have done it without his wife Shelley behind him, and that his son Kole has been a major source of inspiration and motivation for staying with the department as long as he has.
"None of us can do this without our families," he said.
He also thanked the other firefighters, pointing out that he's worked under five different chiefs and knows that the chiefs and the departments would be nothing without the volunteer firefighters keeping everything going, both those who've been there and the new ones that join.
"It's all you new guys that motivate the old guys," he said.
Jeb added that without new volunteers coming in, the department can start to die, and the motivation of the firefighters who are already there can start to die.
"Each and every one of you guys is the reason why I'm still here," Jeb said. "It's a brotherhood and a sisterhood, the fire department. You guys are all family."
With all fire departments becoming such a close-knit group, it makes it easier to stay.
"Once you get hooked, you're in trouble," Jeb said. "But you gotta get hooked, you gotta get dedicated, and then you're really in trouble, because you're gonna be here for a long time."
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