WELLMAN

When Wellman’s volunteer firefighters gathered Monday night for a department photo, veteran firefighter Jim Millice had no idea he would be receiving an award as well. But when someone spends 65 years volunteering with a single fire department, receiving awards is something one has to get used to.

“I’ve had a good manager,” Millice jokes as secretary/treasurer Tracy Owens departs with a wink and fire chief Jeremy Peck hands him the framed Meritorious Service Award from the State of Iowa Fire Bureau.

Millice joined the department in 1959 at the age of 19, inspired by his fire chief uncle, Chuck Capper, and assistant chief dad, Chase Millice. But what motivates him to continue his involvement for over six decades?

“I think the guy just 100% gives from his heart,” Peck says. “He’s done it for years and years and years. He’s always looking out for everybody else 100% of the time. It’s never about Jim. It’s always about the other people.”

“He comes down here and does stuff when other people aren’t here,” Peck continues. “He comes out and does stuff when we are here. If we need anything when we’re at work or whatever, he’s the first call that we make.”

As the department prepares for their Tenderloin Meal fundraiser on Saturday, April 13, they need Millice’s help.

“I was out in the timber this morning working, and I got a call that the truck with the supplies for our supper this weekend [was here, and] they needed somebody to help unload the truck and haul the food supplies down here,” Millice says. “So, I got the call.”

Millice says that “it’s part of my routine” to check in with the fire station and help when needed. Although after bypass surgery years ago doctors told him to stay out of the “hot zone” of active firefighting, he still finds meaning and purpose with the department.

He admits to “forgetting more stuff,” but as far as his fellow firefighters are concerned, he’s “an icon.” Peck remembers Millice giving him his first pager, and Millice remains a source for the department’s history. He remembers a time before the station had fire trucks, when the department was based where the library is now, and they “were scrounging for money.”

“This equipment is just so expensive,” he acknowledges.

The firefighters used to knock on doors and hold pancake breakfasts before they launched the tenderloin meal a few years ago, which the surrounding community overwhelmingly supports.

“We’re blessed to have such a good community,” Peck confirms. “The surrounding communities come out and support us as well. We’re very lucky.”

When folks come out to Wellman for the tenderloin meal on Saturday, April 13 from 4-7:30 p.m., they’ll find Millice toasting buns, surrounded by the other fire fighters and their wives, who all work together to make the fundraiser a success.

“It’s a family thing,” he says.

And that family is grateful to have Millice as a beloved member.