By Mac Neely
Whenever we hear a firetruck or an ambulance go by, or we slow down and stop on the highway for one, do you wonder where they are going or what they might have to do? Probably lots of us do, but do you ever think about who they are?
In Mancos, they are a group of about 17 volunteers – averaging about 37 years old – and they work under the leadership of four men: Chief Tony Aspromonte, assistant chief Ed Martinez, EMS Capt. Scott Anderson, and Fire Capt. Ray Aspromonte.
Our fire department has a long history. In 1901, it was known as Hose No. 1. In 1979, the Mancos Fire Protection District was formed, and in 1984, it moved to Bauer Avenue and its home for its offices and engine garages. About 2002, the fire department moved across U.S. Highway 160 to the old U.S. Forest Service offices, though it retained the Bauer Avenue building for snow plows, other equipment and the historic 1945 firetruck – the one we see in the Mancos Days parade each year. Look for it this year and give it a special wave!
The men who drive the trucks to answer emergency calls, fight structures, and brush and grass fires answer all types of emergency calls every hour of the day and night. They are all volunteers! They do their job out of wanting to help others. Our district survives and operates the equipment on property tax money, the same as our school and library. Chief Aspromonte told me that this year they were able to purchase new protective gear for all the volunteers: coats, pants, boots and gloves. They will be well used on the daily calls – about 350 calls a year. Of course, those numbers include rescuing cats from trees, kids from pools and even roosters from the fire! And I have to add, every fire engine does not mean a fire – the guys love to escort our school busses out of town to sports events. So be sure you check those sirens – if school buses are with them, give them all a wave!
On Saturday, April 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Mancos and Southwest Health System Ambulance Collaborative will host a meet-and-greet at the offices on 41595 U.S. Highway 160. Come out to show them your support. I’ll see you there!
The swearing-in of the new Town Board is April 27 at 7 p.m. at Mancos Town Hall. Let’s go and wish them well!
