By Avra Sullivan

In 1968 at the age of 15, Don Lewis joined the local volunteer fire department in his hometown in Delaware. For over 4 decades he has served as a volunteer firefighter, not only in DE but currently in Kent Island since 1983, and even served in England when he transferred there for his work.

Back then, he explains, it’s what you were supposed to do. Since joining the Kent Island Volunteer department, he has served as President, secretary, treasurer, sat on the board of directors, and various committees and is currently the Vice President. Through the eyes of experience, Don talks about the difference then and now, “Back then, you knew everyone. You were either related to them or had known them all your life.” The demand for the KIVFD has grown as well. When he started, there was an average of 800 calls a year. Now that has grown to over 2000. This has made fund-raising a crucial component and Don spends a lot of his time helping with the many events the department hosts.

He has also seen his share of tragedy from losing a fellow fire fighter to sustaining a serious leg burn himself. When asked how he handles the stress of a crisis situation, he says” It’s hard, but you have to put that behind you, because you have a job to do.”

The KIVFD was originally chartered on April 1, 1947. In February of that year, a barn fire broke out on property owned by Dr. Charles Snyder in Stevensville. The Queenstown and Centreville fire companies responded, but were too far away to arrive in time and save the building. Several days later on February 7, 1947, Benton Gardner, Joseph Baxter, George Taylor, and Leonard Risley met at a local store in Chester and discussed starting a fire department on Kent Island. By February 14, 1947, the four men along with Emory Horney had collected $1500. On April 1 that same year the original charter of the KIVFD was drawn up. KIVFD officially began operation on April 14, 1947 on property donated by John Benton. If you would like more information on becoming a firefighter or how you can help in other ways, call 410-643-5454 or send an email to info@kivfd.org. Hall rental is available through the Ladies Auxiliary; call 410-643-4019 for more information. Visit www.kivfd.org for more information.