September 5, 2017
This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
We receive
quality service from our police, fire and EMT’s and sheriff departments and
showing appreciation for those who are public service providers is important.
Even in 1897 the citizens of Junction City were a little slow in showing THEIR
appreciation for the excellence of the local fire department. On several occasions, the members of the fire
department had participated in contests. They brought back fame and honor, not only to
themselves, but to the city, however, without much fanfare or recognition. In September of 1897 there was a contest in
Salina at which the firefighters again claimed victory. Only this time they found a band to lead a
demonstration of praise and recognition on the streets of Junction City. This was followed by a banquet. Those invited were the contest team, the band
and a few outsiders. The celebration was
paid for by the fire department. The
“Daily Union” newspaper had an article in which the author stated “the
community had displayed a rather mean spirit to allow the firefighters of
Junction City to go away to an important competition, return with a victory
banner and then expect them to put on and fund their own celebration. They deserved better treatment. The firefighters were in need of new
uniforms.” It was recommended by the
author of the article that the citizens could be saved from their previous
oversight by contributing to the purchase of those uniforms.
We could do
more to show appreciation for our law enforcement and firefighters. Even if it is only give them a heartfelt
thank you.
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