WOW

All I can say is wow. Springville lost a great man on Wed. the 28 of Oct. I had the privilege to know him. He was the fire chief for Springville. He was loved and respected by most people in the community. He was well loved by me because I knew when the pager went of and my husband was going to go into a burning house I knew Phil had his back and his safety was number one priority in his book.

When I was first married I would get all anxious and never when I heard the pager go off. Pretty soon I came to realize that my husband was pretty safe at what he was doing. In 14 years on Springville's department my husband or none of the other firemen that I am of aware of have gotten hurt while fighting fire under Phil's command.

So the man deserves my respect and gratitude. Know when the pager goes of it doesn't even phase me besides wondering how bad and who's house or whatever is on fire.

So tonight at his viewing they had the fire and ambulance personnel stand next to his casket for 10 min intervals with an ax. Similar to changing of the guards in Washington D.C.

What an honor it was for my husband to partake of this. It was truly amazing to watch all the firemen willing give up their Sunday nights.

One short story about Phil. When the fire department used to light of all the fireworks for Art City days. Gene was of course all into that and was lighting them of. I was over in the arts park watching. Well one went of right close to the ground. I being newly married and didn't understand the whole thing started to panic. I happened to be sitting next to Phil and his wife Helen. When I started getting nervous Phil just looks at me and says "they haven't called for medical they are fine." They where fine and nothing happened. I was sure glad to be sitting by Phil at that time. He was one amazing man and his legacy hopefully and should go on for quite some time in the city.

Gene getting the hand of from "The Allen"

Finishing the hand of and Gene getting into position.

Gene standing at attention.

Still standing their. Pretty cool to watch I must say. I am biased but still really cool.