The Chief was about ten words in to announcing Craley Fire Company’s Member of the Year Award when Vice President Don Fake knew it was going to him.
“The 51 years of service at Craley gave it away,” recalls Don. “I was overwhelmed when I found I won.”
Don received the award for putting in countless hours of “behind-the-scenes” work in his administrative role as Vice President. He picks up supplies, organizes and helps out with events, making him crucial to Craley’s fundraisers.
Although Don has been in the fire service for decades, he says this is the best group of volunteers that Craley has had.
“I’ve known some of them since they were in diapers, watched them grow up and have had the ability to mentor them,” said Don. “I’m very proud of all the young guys there. Everybody is willing to jump in and help each other when needed.”
Don’s favorite part of volunteering is helping people in need and the comradery he has with other members.
Prior to Craley Fire Company, Don started volunteering at 15-years-old with Laurel Fire Company in Windsor. He was one of the first junior firefighters back in the early 1970s when junior firefighting was at its infancy.
After meeting a girl in Craley, who would later become his wife, Don decided to join Craley Fire Company so he could answer calls there as well.
Don and his wife were happily married until he became widowed 11 years ago. He has one son and two grandsons.
To learn more about volunteering with Craley Fire Company, visit www.JoinCraleyFire.org. No experience is required; training and gear are provided.