The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by: Shirley Linder-Quill Editor
The MST Firemen are good at keeping secrets.
On Sunday, June 27th, Scott Ford, MST training officer, took Fire Chief Curt Eisenmayer by surprise when he called him forward during a gathering and proceeded to honor him.
The firemen planned a one o'clock potluck at the fire station, inviting firemen, the ambulance crew, wives and family. What story they gave Curt is unknown, but there was a lot of plotting going on behind his back.
Curt joined the MST Fire Department fifty-one years ago in 1953, after moving to Stronghurst in 1952. He previously had served with the Carthage Fire Department.
T. C. Knutstrom, Glenn Gillis, Walt Billups, Lawrence White served as fire chiefs before Curt was appointed chief in 1977.
The group presented him with a plaque and other gifts including a special cake, decorated by Julie Kline. It reads:
John Curtis Eisenmayer-June 2004
In appreciation of your dedication to the fire services, we wish to present you with this plaque. Your dedication and commitment for the past 55 years has been outstanding. The Stronghurst area has and continues to be better served with your service for the past 50 plus years. Your leadership as Chief for the past 27 years is greatly appreciated by the district. We wish to say thank you for your past, present, and future service. THANK YOU CURT, from the MST Fire Protection District, Trustees, and Firemen
Obviously surprised and moved by the recognition, Curt thanked everyone saying "the guys make it easy" and he thanked their wives for their support and putting up with them.
He said, "This group is the best group we have had." He also reminded them, "The important thing is to want to learn, and then learn to think."
Curt, 79, continues to serve the MST district as Fire Chief.
Scott Ford, right, makes a presentation to Curt Eisenmayer
MST Firemen and local ambulance crew gathered to honor Fire Chief Curt Eisenmayer on Sunday. From left front is Darren Nichols, Roger Cook, Brad Flatt, Arbry Vancil, Larry Fox, Cory Fox, Tony Anderson, and John Dugan. From back left is Scott Ford, Ralph Tatge, Paul Cook, Chris Cook, John Link, Curt Eisenmayer, Lee Klossing, Bruce Caldwell, Tom Crotts, Jerry Nortrup, David Vancil, Gary Kline, Garry Jarvis, and David Crotts.