Pictured is the Cardington Volunteer Fire Department as Mayor Troy Ruehrmund (back left) reads his proclamations with Fire Chief Gary Goodman flanked to his right.
Quinn Maceyko | AIM Media Midwest
Park Avenue was full of visitors to downtown Cardington on Saturday, September 7th, when the Cardington Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 150th Anniversary with a bash in the American Legion Park. Open from 4pm-9pm, the fire department displayed its history and collaboration with the community over the last one-and-a-half centuries.
Inside the firehouse, relics including former fire engines, hose carts, photo albums, plaques, and other memorabilia were out on display for visitors to observe and read. Most importantly, a plaque with all fire chiefs was made to recognize those previous individuals in the post. There have been nine fire chiefs for the Cardington Volunteer Fire Department: Virgil Peck (1874-1881), D. W. Wherry (1881-1885), Charles Earl (1885-1897), Ed Pick (1897-1903), Frank Shidler (1903-1908), Ralph “Sandy” Sanderson (1908-1959), Leonard Benson (1959-1976), Jim Ullom (1976-2013), and Gary Goodman (2013-present). Memorabilia was on loan from several local collectors and Mark Mathews, longtime member of the unit, brought a couple of vehicles used by the force decades ago.
Additionally, a touch-a-truck event was held with surrounding fire departments joining the event with a helicopter and other first responders filling up Park Avenue. Entertainment for the evening was Parental Guidance, a local band who played on the main stage in the park to close at the day’s event. Food trucks including Kings Krossing, Goodman Family Farms, and Apple Dumpling Gang were in attendance.
Mayor Troy Ruehrmund read two proclamations that evening; one honoring the fire department and its history and another for Arbor Day where a tree will be planted in honor of the unit in the American Legion Park. Commemorative cups and miniature footballs were distributed to those in attendance.
Quinn Maceyko is a correspondent for the Morrow County Sentinel.
