Commissioner Craig Arthur reported last night on Social Media that he attended the Grantsville Volunteer Fir e Department regarding the recent rumors that Station 100 had been taken over by the State.
He said “It disturbs me that people in our community are spouting off things without verifying that it is true. I want to assure the public that the State DID NOT take over the Grantsville Fire Department! The Department was given 180 days in writing to correct things from the Fire Marshall’s office in October, but were then notified that a temporary chief was needed until extra certifications were obtained by Craig Gherke. What we need to realize is that these folks protect and serve the public everyday, and do not get paid a dime. Causing strive among our different volunteers in the county by spreading half truths/or completely false information does nothing to help our cause of working together, and helping each other.”
As always in transparency, let me remind Ridgeview followers that I am the wife of the former Grantsville Chief David Johnson and have been in the past a staunch supporter of the Fire Department having seen my husband give over 30 years to the an organization without want or need of recognition. Although I’ll just tell you, he deserved it.
I have reached out to the State Fire Marshall’s office to request their side of the matter and I believe what Commissioner Arthur has said will be found as the truth. But as for other’s in the Community who attempted to spin this story in any other manner than the truth for the purpose of hurting volunteers and creating panic in the community, you are beyond inexcusable.
Ridgeview News will likely be accused of spreading sour grapes between volunteer agencies, but I assure you that is the furthest thing from the truth on my part, but is certainly the case by certain members of the Arnoldsburg Department who deliberately posted messages on social media without regard for the feelings of their brothers and sisters in emergency services.
It costs thousands of dollars out of the household budgets of volunteers to run with the Fire Department. Perhaps not as much if you live a mile from the station. I will not discredit any volunteers, (even not so nice ones) regarding their wonderful contributions to their community. But before we throw stones at Grantsville’s Chief Craig Gherke, you might understand that he has a full time job as Chief Operator of the Grantsville Water Plant, and works seven days a week on top of trying to get his Chief certifications. He literally stepped into both pair of shoes my husband wore for three decades. So I know first hand how much he has on his plate.
