On Friday December 6th the Malad Fire Department held their annual Honorary Retirees’ Dinner.  The event is held every year at the beginning of the holiday season to express thanks to the retired firefighters in the community and their significant others. This year’s event was held at The Dude Ranch Café and was emceed by John Williams, Malad Fire Department’s current Fire Chief.  The Retirees and their spouses and dates were honored for their years of service and their dedication the department and the community.  Our newest firefighter, Sam Woodward, was introduced, and John Williams received a service award for ten years’ service with the department. JC Vause was named Fireman of the Year.

Two firemen, Doug Crowther and Ed Jones, announced their retirements at the dinner and were presented with appreciation gifts for their years for service.  

Doug Crowther is retiring after serving in the department for twenty years.  During Doug’s first three years volunteering for the department, he was not an official member but was filling in for another firefighter who was experiencing some health complications.  Doug has been a consummate firefighter, and his presence will be greatly missed.  Doug weas presented with a traditional retiree plaque that holds a firefighter axe with a gold-plated blade.  Chief Williams expressed his gratitude to Doug and Doug’s wife Stephanie.  Chief Williams also reminded the attendees of Doug’s other volunteer work as a member of Oneida County’s emergency medical services team as an EMT, his service as a member of the county’s extrication crew, and commended Doug for his multiple entrepreneurial awards Doug has received through his work.

Ed Jones announced his intent to retire in March of 2025.  Ed joined the fire department in March of 1985, and upon his retirement, Ed will have served as a firefighter for an impressive forty-five years.  Chief Williams spoke of Ed memory of the first structure fire that Ed responded to with the department.  The fire was Jack Evans’ building across the street from the elementary school.  The building housed “Jack’s Snacks” a popular video game arcade and candy store that was a common hangout for schoolkids.  Chief Williams honored Ed and Wendy for their commitment and dedication to the fire department and the community.  Chief Williams also commended Ed’s career as the popular wheel standing race car driver Ed “The Outlaw” Jones, and John acknowledged Ed for his 2023 induction into the National Hot Rod Association’s Hall of Fame.  Ed’s wife and family chose a non-traditional retirement award and purchased a customized Henry rifle with a firefighter theme.

Chief Williams ended the evening by again thanking the retirees and their families for the service and sacrifices they have made to the department and the community over the past several years, and expressed his gratitude to Gary and Sherma Shepherd, their daughter Nicole, and the others involved in hosting the event.  Chief Williams also wishes to express his gratitude to Onedia County Fire District Commissioners for their continued service and support.

On Saturday, the crew made their way down to the Event Center for the traditional annual dance, raffle, and year end get together.  Music was provided by Rough Stock, and dancing was the order of the night for the firemen, their significant others, families, and members of the public who made their way down to the Event Center to support the efforts of the local volunteers who help keep the community safe all year long.  

Major Donations and Discounts

Just For Fun Toys—donated a Collapsible Grill

Dr. Jake Measom—donated a Camp Chef Smoker

Kent’s Optics—Swarovski Scope and Viper Binoculars

Thomas Electric—Recliner

Hess Lumber—Camp Chairs and Wood for “The Spirit of Christmas” Social

Ward’s ACE & Country Store—Gun Safe

US Bank—Wendover Hotel /Casino Stays

The remaining companies
donated multiple door prizes

Anderson Curb and Gutter

Buttar’s Tractor Supply

Chat & Chew

Crump Reese Auto

Doug Adams Sculpting

Edith’s Collective

Funtastic Lemonade

Ganache Bakery

Hess Pumice

Idaho Milling & Grain

Napa Auto Parts

Nucor

On The Run

Pizza Stop

Stotz Equipment

Thomas Foodtown