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It was a girl that lead Virran Crump to the fire department, and a “brotherhood” that kept him there.

Aquadale Rural Volunteer Fire Department recently had a banquet for Crump, who is retiring as department administrator after more than 50 years of service to the Tyson Township, including Aquadale and Cottonville communities.

“I moved to the community after marrying a local girl named Betty Smith and wanted to get involved with the community,” Crump said. “I had some friends who were in the fire department that invited me to join. I decided the fire department was a great way to serve in the community. Everyone respected the firemen and the work they did.”

Crump said he stayed with the department because he enjoyed being able to serve the community.

“I am very proud of the work we did to improve our response times and with the camaraderie among the firemen,” he said.

He said he was the first certified emergency medical technician in 1983. The department later became one of the first medical responding fire departments.

“I wanted to see the Aquadale Rural Fire Department become the best we could be so our community would be proud of us,” he said. “The property and lives we have saved over the years is very gratifying. It is so nice when people in the community come up to you and thank you for your service.”

Crump said he responded to calls as long as he was physically able. He then switched to more office duties, such as computer maintenance, applying for state grants and record keeping.

“I was first a fireman then promoted to lieutenant and later voted in as an assistant chief and saw the need for assisting the fire chief in his duties,” he said. “There was a need to learn more about operations and how we could improve on record keeping in personnel and finances. I helped the fire chief with the roster, retirement programs, training records and corresponding with state and county officials.”

He is also the online banking administrator and co-treasurer and will help with the transition for those who take over his duties.

“I am so proud to have served in the fire department with such a great group of men and women,” he said. “The memories of going on calls putting out fires, responding to vehicle accidents, health issues, the barbecues, turkey shoots and many others are held with a fondness of the ‘Brotherhood’ shared with these men and women.

“I am retiring because of health issues that are hindering the abilities to carry on with these duties. I pray for each and every one in the fire department that will carry on with these duties which are so important for the success of the fire department serving our community. I love our community and all who live in it.”