Ellenburg Depot man has fought fires for decades

By RACHAEL OSBORNE
Staff Writer

April 23, 2008 04:00 am

— ELLENBURG DEPOT -- Richard Manor has always had a burning passion to help residents in his community.
He has been chief of the Ellenburg Depot Volunteer Fire Department here for 33 years and a member for longer than he can remember.
"I love to help the people and the public," said Manor, who was celebrating his 67th birthday on April 7. "I just love to be there when somebody needs help."
Training criteria and advances in technology have changed since he started firefighting nearly four decades ago.
When Manor first joined the department, firefighters needed only 13 weeks of training. Now, he said, they need more than 30 weeks to be qualified, which has discouraged new volunteers from joining.
"The laws are stiffer than they used to be. It takes a lot of time and energy to train," he said.
His department has about 30 volunteers -- an average number.
"Years ago we used to have a waiting list. There hasn't been one in some time."
FIVE FIRE PHONES
Even tools like pagers and radios have transformed the process for reporting and responding to fires.
"Back in 1975, we didn't have the pagers and radios that the (firefighters) have today," remembered the chief's wife, Leona. "One of the perks of being chief was that you got to have a fire phone in your home."
Mrs. Manor said there were five fire phones in town at the time her husband started.
"When the call came in, someone answered and took the information. Then, without hanging up, you activated the siren with a little toggle switch on the wall. You would push it to one side for a few seconds and then back for a few more seconds until a fireman, hearing the siren, came to the firehouse and picked up the phone.
"He would get the information and write it on the board for all the others."
She said the fire phone blared when it rang, and "in the middle of the night, it would make your hair stand on end."
Technology, she said, has "really come a long way."
ALWAYS BUSY
Mr. Manor's desire to help others has kept him going, and he stressed the importance of teamwork on the job.
"The group has to work together. We have a pretty good bunch of fellows."
The community has always done a great job assisting residents after a fire, he said.
"I hate to see anybody lose their home, but it happens. It happens."
The department has kept him busy since day one, with weekly meetings, siren tests and managing details such as checking the furnace and making sure the trucks are always fueled.
Not to mention all the fire calls.
"I try to make just about every call, that's for sure."
And when Mrs. Manor is available, she goes along.
"I'll just jump in the truck with him. I'll go."
FIRE-FIGHTING FAMILY
About six years ago, she joined the department, too, working as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for the ambulance service.
In fact, the job seems to run in their blood, as three of their five children are also area firefighters, as well as countless relatives.
Mrs. Manor said she has learned to deal with the worry that arises as her loved ones battle flames.
"That's their job. They know how to handle it. You depend on their experience.
"When you get done (fighting a fire), you're so tired," she said, "but it's a good feeling that you helped. If we weren't able to respond, who's gonna do it?"
As much as he loves the work, Mr. Manor isn't sure how much longer he can keep the spark alive.
"I'm more than happy to help somebody if I can, but I think I'm about ready to step down. It's time to let somebody else take the helm over. It's been long enough."
rosborne@pressrepublican.com

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