Steele Fire Department
Steele Fire Chief Eddie Gilbert is celebrating 60 years of hard work, dedication and service to the community as a member of the Steele Fire Department. this week.
Gilbert is the husband of Mary Gilbert and the father to Teresa Jackson, the late Kim Mathenia, the late Leslie Gilbert and stepdaughters, Denna McKenzie, Joyce Judy, Ryllis Gambill, Robin Crawford, Loretta Dodd, Sandy Titus, Leticia Wagner and stepson Kelly Wagner. He is also the proud grandfather to Josh Mathenia, Derek Mathenia, Brady Jackson and Bonnie Jackson. Great Granddaughters Natalia Nolen, Lexi and Cade Mathenia, and Ellie Jackson.
Working in the fire department is a job that requires you to be ready 24/7 which can be hard on families. Gilbert says, “It is more difficult for my family than me. They are the ones that have had to sacrifice while I am away.” But the large family has always done what they had to in order to make it work and work well.
Gilbert only the Fire Chief, but he is also the owner of Steele Tool and Manufacturing, which requires a great deal of his time as well.
Looking back on his career with the department, Gilbert began this work when he was 22 years old. He said he felt the city needed him as they were having trouble getting firemen at the time and he wanted a way to give back to his community.
He joined the department on January 26, 1963. A large contribution to this decision came from the fire the day prior that destroyed the 450-seat Steele Theatre. That fire not only destroyed the theatre but also a house that was located at the rear of the building and caused power and phone lines to be cut off throughout the area for several hours.
Gilbert worked hard to serve his community and in 1988 when Chief Johnny Carter retired, he stepped out of the shoes of the Assistant Chief position he was in, and into the position of Steele Fire Chief.
Time has changed a great many things he says. “60 years ago, we were limited in our resources. We did not have the proper gear or equipment that we needed. We have always had a lack of training in the past and present. This is a volunteer fire department with each person having one or two other jobs,” he shares. But he goes on to say, despite all that, the hardest part of the job is getting people to listen.
Looking back through the years he remembers many fire calls, however, one that sticks out the most he says is when the beauty shop supply store burned.
“It was a two-story building that was located where the now Food Giant Grocery Store sits. The magnitude of the fire and the building being right next to another building was a challenge. We only lost the beauty shop supply store.”
But Gilbert’s job is not finished. Looking to the future he hopes to see the purchase of a new tanker and their current one is a 1977 model.
“This would be an asset for Pemiscot County, we would be better equipped to serve not only Steele but all surrounding communities,” he explains.
He also shares there is room for more help in the department and if anyone would like to help, know that it requires commitment, and a desire to serve your community.
“It is a hard job and one with not much glamour or thanks, but it is well worth it,” said Gilbert.
A special celebration for his 60 years of service and many years still ahead was held on Saturday, January 28 at the Steele Fire Department.
FFAM
