Regarding the current circumstance of the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department:
As former Chief of the Grantsville VFD, I will take full responsibility for my failure as their leader. With that being said, and by way of explanation not excuse, for three years I worked 7 days a week in addition to taking care of my father and the lawn and yard work of my mother in law. I just didn’t have the time or energy to put into the Fire Department as required to keep it running properly. I was there because I was the only one that had the required certification to be Chief.
I did the best I could humanly do to keep it up and going to keep the community safe.
For over 30 years for which I served in emergency services, I missed out on a lot of family functions and very seldom made it to any of the grand kids sports and activities to support them.
In the latter months of my time as Chief, I had a disagreement with some of the decisions at the Fire Dept. It was then that I decided it was time to give it up. This was something I should have done earlier but I didn’t want them to lose their money from the State that required a certified Chief.
I was against the new radio system because of the great cost to the Department and the fact that it would knock out what the community would be able to hear, but it’s the way of future in radio systems, so it had to be.
I’m not a man who makes excuses. I feel that I have let the GVFD down and the community and I will take full responsibility for it.
I ask that you get behind this great group of volunteers and give them a little time to get things together and you will have a great Department once more.
David W. Johnson
Thank you,Dave,for the many hours you gave of your time. We appreciate it.
Dave Johnson, you are much appreciated from all The Johnson near and far. Grantsville is so fortunate to have a Volunteer Fire Dept. I remember of the big fire in the late 60,s that could have burn all businesses and municipalities to the ground. We honor you for your service to the community. As humans, we are not perfect and we make mistakes and sometimes even poor judgement. But all you have given to Grantsville and the County is better than sitting on the sidelines and giving nothing at all. You are loved and appreciated.
Shawn Johnson-Burns
Bluffton SC
Thank you Shawn!