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Pearl Eugene Sims obituary
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 2 Nov 2005.
Harrison Helton praised for 40 years of service to PVFD
2005 NPT PHOTO by GARY BUTLER Area Ruritan Zone Governor Lynn Fillers, at right, is shown presenting a plaque to Parrottsville Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) volunteer Harrison Helton honoring Helton as the PVFD 2005 Fireman of the Year. Helton formally received the award during the Parrottsville Ruritan Club meeting on Oct. 10, at which time Fillers praised Helton for being "the oldest active member of the department."
By: Gary Butler
Source: The Newport Plain Talk
11-02-2005
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PARROTTSVILLE-Parrottsville Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) volunteer Harrison Helton, 2445 Highway 321, with 40 years of service to the department, was named 2005 PVFD Fireman of the Year on Oct. 10, during a meeting of the Parrottsville Ruritan Club meeting.
Ruritan Zone Governor Lynn Fillers spoke to Ruritans in praise of Helton, who, he noted, is the "only two-time recipient of this award. "Personally, I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award," said Fillers.
Fillers shared with fellow Ruritans some of Helton's recollections of "the early days," then brought the club up to date with Helton's most recent contributions to the PVFD.
"He [Helton] tells about how, in the early years, he and Berlin Baysinger would haul tobacco to market for people, in order to raise funds for the fire department," said Fillers.
Fillers said Helton has noted the changes he has observed during the course of his 40 years as a volunteer fireman.
"Mr. Helton has seen the department progress over the years, with a new fire hall, newer equipment, more technology-all of which has resulted in a lower ISO rating to help the residents of Parrottsville save on insurance premiums," he said. "And Mr. Helton said he has been pleased to see strong leadership at the helm of the fire department throughout the years." Fillers also pointed out at the Oct. 10 meeting that Helton and his wife, Jean, have worked as a team on many projects to assist the PVFD. "The Heltons have always been involved in helping with functions for the department. In fact, Jean coordinated the annual supper for more than 25 years-and she's done a super job at it," said Fillers. Concerning the importance of fund-raising for an organization like the PVFD, Fillers emphasized that people like Helton "set the benchmark" for others to follow.
"Mr. Helton has always known how important fund-raising is to a volunteer fire department," he said. "In fact, during the last supper, he alone sold $4,000 worth of tickets. Without members like Harrison, a department this size could not survive."
Finally, Fillers pointed out that, "although in later years, Mr. Helton might not have been seen at the end of a fire hose on every fire, he always takes time from his busy schedule to attend meetings, fundraisers, and whatever else is going on to help better the department.
"It is not at all unusual to find him making repairs at the station, picking up supplies, selling tickets, parking cars, and many other necessary, but thankless, chores to help the department," said Fillers.
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