ROBERT PIERCE

   • Leader & Times

In mid-February, multiple fires hit Southwest Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle amongst wind gusts of more than 50 mph, and local and area firefighters scrambled to get the blazes under control and minimize death and damages.

Recently, the Liberal Rotary Club, along with Rotary District 5680, helped provide some relief from financial losses fire departments suffered from battling the fires.

Together, the local club and the district recently collected a total of $6,128 for area fire stations, including Seward County, Plains, Tyrone, Okla., Beaver, Okla., and Harper County, Okla.

The funds were awarded at the Liberal Rotary Club’s March 31 meeting, and officials with the Seward County, Plains and Tyrone fire departments asked for their portions to be given to Beaver and Harpper County, as these were the two hardest hit with losses and injuries.

Of the total, $1,500 was raised by Liberal Rotary, and District Governor Deb Minkler said former District Governor Ivanhoe Love Jr. had reached out a month ago to see about helping out with the fire departments.

“He came to our executive committee and said we need to reach out like we do as Rotarians and help with the firefighters, the aftermath and the pickup,” Minkler said. “We started this campaign at different Rotary clubs. The Rotarians felt they needed to donate money back to the fire department. It hits home to a lot of us. I thank you guys for everything you’ve done and you do.”

Minkler estimated about 900,000 acres were burnt in the February fires, and thankfully, only one death happened. She said whether firefighters were volunteer or paid, they still put their lives on the line to keep area residents safe.

“I appreciate everything you guys do for your community,” she said. “I did visit Beaver a couple weeks ago. They had sent me videos of the fire there. You guys go into all of that, and you put your life at risk to save ours. I thank you guys greatly and appreciate everything you guys do.”

A highlight of the March 31meeting was the opportunity for Liberal Rotary to host several area fire chiefs who shared firsthand accounts of the heroic efforts their teams made during the “Pancake Day Fires” on Tuesday, Feb 17.

“Their stories were both moving and inspiring, offering a powerful reminder of the courage, dedication and professionalisim of our local first responders,” a post on the Rotary Club #1591 of Liberal, Kansas Facebook page said. “We are deeply greatful for their service and for the time they took to speak with us. Their commitment to protecting our community does not go unnoticed.”

Along with putting their lives on the line, Liberal Rotary President Evangeline Penner said firefighters made sure the fires did not spread any further than they did as she presented certificates of appreciation to the area departments. She also praised the Seward County, Plains and Tyrone departments for their gift to the Beaver and Harper County departments.

“To see that they’re willing to help each other out is encouraging to see,” she said.

Minkler said to be able to donate money to the departments meant a great deal to her.

“Rotary is a huge part of my life, and I feel Rotary spreads kindness and good throughout the world,” she said. “Just to be able to help everything from the small to the large knowing this might help that next person be safe with their truck or their equipment or help save the firefighters makes it worth while.”

Likewise, Minkler praised the work of Rotarians in her district to get the money to give to the departments.

“Rotarians always find a way to raise the money,” she said. “They always find a way to support and spread the good through the communities.”

Minkler emphasized the work of firefighters in keeping people safe.

“We’re seeing fires in states all around us — Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska,” she said. “It’s a sad thing, but without them, we wouldn’t even have what was saved, and we can’t thank the firefighters enough for everything they do every day.”

Minkler said presenting the money at the local Rotary meeting also meant a great deal to her.

“It was a great experience and humbling to know there are people out there who would lay their lives on the line to save yours and your family,” she said.