Over 150 City of Miami firefighters and their families gathered in Franklin for some fun and relaxation last weekend at the Carolina Motel. Yes, you read that right – Miami firefighters.
And, it’s been going on for 36 years.
You may ask, why host a reunion for south Florida firefighters in Franklin, NC? Well, we have our friends in Otto to thank for that.
Thanks to Otto
Benjamin (Ben) Durfey served as fire chief in Miami before retiring in Otto back in the 1970’s. In 1978, he decided to use his extensive firefighting experience to organize a grassroots community group of local volunteers to officially establish the Otto Fire Department. He joined local Morris Stiwinter to make it happen.
Today, Otto has a fire department with two paid firefighters and 34 volunteers.
The department’s very first emergency operations were run out of Tyler’s Supermarket on Highway 441, until they secured a dedicated space at the Otto community building in 1980.
A “full” reunion
What started as a picnic at the home of Ben and Gloria Durfey for the Otto volunteer firefighters, and a small group of retired Miami firefighters, grew into a full reunion you see today.
This year’s attendees included City of Miami Fire Chief Robert Hevia who discussed the challenge of firefighting in high rise buildings and the importance of firefighter’s presence at large events.
Hevia reinforced the confidence and trust the Miami community has for their firefighters.
Additionally, he reminded the group that they are “sitting on the shoulders of giants who built the department over 120 years. We are here to honor the retirees and the importance of the men and women who work here today.”
Enjoying Franklin and the region
Of course, it was more than just the camaraderie of a picnic. The firefighters and families made the most of what Franklin and the surrounding area has to offer.
