August 1973 David B. Burns, Fire Chief retires

1973 - David B. Burns, Fire Chief retires article written on 9 August 1973 reflects on his years on the department:

Dave Burns retires as Culver fire Chief --- Even though Dave Burns has retired as chief of the Culver -Union township volunteer fire department, he will remain with the department as a fellow-volunteer for a time. "But I got a boat", he says with a grin, "an lots of fishing poles".

Burns who served 40 years with the department, including 30 years as chief, says he started out with 10 men and one truck, an old Republic. He joined the department in 1933, under chief Alfred Cromley. Burns served under two other chiefs, Art Fishburn and Carry Cummins, before becoming chief himself in 1943. Of the 10 men he started with, Burns notes that only two --- Kenny Bush and Charlie Asper -- are alive to remember "the good old" days. Burns says there weren't as many runs in the early days, but the fires were worse because they had a head start by the time the firemen got there. The department's equipment was limited; the firemen had no rope, but did have a hook and ladder and a hose cart and bucket wagon.

Burns was instrumental in building the department to its present capacity of 15 men, five trucks and equipment, including a radio system; resuscitator and other life-saving devices. The department begun as a town-financed group, but by 1935, Union Township had contracted with the town for services and the township today provides half the money for expenses. What makes a good fireman? Burns believes "you have to have it in your blood".

Culver 's Town Board, recognizing Burns as a good fireman, has extended its deep gratitude for his many years of "excellent service" to the department. Board members noted that his contributions to the safety and welfare of the community are recognized and deeply appreciated.

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and another article Culver Citizen AUg. 9, 1973:

Chief Burns Retires

"We started out with ten men and one truck, an old Republic," Dave Burns reminisced. He has retired as Chief of the Culver -Union Fire Department, after thirty years as chief and forty years with the unit.

Dave joined the department in 1933, under Chief Cromley. He served under two men, Art Fishburn and Carry Cummins, before becoming chief himself in 1943. Of the ten men he started with, he recalls, only tow are still alive to remember "the good old day" - Kenny Bush and Charlie Asper.

"We never used to have as many runs," Dave remembers, "but the fires were worse - they had a head start by the time we got there. We didn't have much equipment, either." They had no rope, but they had a hook and ladder, and a hose cart and bucket wagon.

The department began as a city-financed group,. but by 1935, Union Township had contracted with the town for services, and today provides half the money for expenses. Dave was instrumental in building the department to its present capacity of fifteen men, five trucks, and equipment including a radio system, resuscitator, and other life -saving devices.

What makes a good fireman? "You have to have it in your blood," Dave says. He will remain with the department as a fellow volunteer for a time, but "I got a boat," he adds with a grin, "and lots of fishing poles."

The Board of Trustees of the Town of Culver has extended to Dave Burns their deep gratitude for his many years of excellent service to the Department. His contribution to the community safety and welfare is recognized and deeply appreciated.