Silverton, Ore. – 50 years of committed volunteer service is almost unheard of these days in the Fire Service. We are proud to announce that one of our members has reached this rare milestone. This is a very big event in the life of the Silverton Fire District and it is very rare that we have someone volunteer continuously for more than 50 years.
Captain Bob Klaus joined the Silverton Fire District in 1962. He joined the fire department as a volunteer firefighter in 1962 when it was all volunteer and when it was a part of the City before the merger of the City and Rural District in early 1980. Since that time he has risen through the ranks from being an “Apprentice Firefighter” to Tender Lieutenant to Captain of our Tender Division which is a position he still holds today. Bob has been an instrumental member of the District as he helped create a very successful Tender Division. Under his direction, the operational abilities of the fleet are at an all time high. He has also established a large number of qualified driver/operators for the Tenders which is crucial for our area.
Another administrative area that we depend on Bob for is his ability to assist with oral boards for both career and volunteer hiring. He provides very insightful comments on the candidates and is an excellent judge of character which helps the hiring process immensely.
Even with his busy schedule, Bob continues to be a very dedicated member of the Silverton Fire District. We hope that he will continue volunteering with us for many years to come. He is most definitely one of a kind.
Quote from OVFA President Sellers:
“It is a great honor to be able to help celebrate such an occasion as to recognize Bob for his 50 years of dedication to the fire service and to the Silverton Fire District 50 years of service, of giving back to his community and helping those in need is quite an accomplishment…the number of hours…the number of calls responded to…the number of steps taken in a pair of fire boots…to you Bob a great big “THANK YOU” from the Oregon Volunteer Firefighters Association”
**The Silverton Fire District will be honoring Captain Klaus with a reception on Wednesday August 15th from 3:00pm until 5:00pm. Awards and presentations will start at 4:00pm.**
The following members of our organization as well as representatives from different agencies, associations and the Government/Legislature will be in attendance:
- Senator Fred Girod and Representative Vic Gilliam (Presentation of a flag flown over the State Capitol)
- Silverton Fire Chief Bill Miles (Presentation of a 50 year pin and “Speaking Trumpet” award)
- Silverton Fire Board of Directors (Presentation of a Board Resolution honoring Captain Klaus)
- City of Silverton City Council members (Presentation of a City of Silverton Proclamation honoring Captain Klaus)
- Oregon State Fire Marshal Chief Mark Wallace (Presentation of a letter/certificate of appreciation)
- Oregon Volunteer Firefighters Association President Dave Sellers (Presentation of a letter/certificate of appreciation)
- National Volunteer Fire Council Vice President Chief Jack Carriger (Presentation of a letter/certificate of appreciation)
We are anticipating a moderate to high number of media representatives to be present at this event. Members of the media may contact the Silverton Fire District PIO with any questions on the event or to gather more information on Captain Klaus.
News Release and Photos from: Silverton Fire Dist.