By Heather Skinner
ESPERANCE — “Sometimes, in a world that feels divided and uncertain, it’s easy to forget that what holds us together is love-neighborly, everyday love. Jesus reminds us that heaven itself rejoices not when the powerful get their way, but when the vulnerable are cared for, when the lost are found, when community comes together for the sake of life. Our Fire and EMS teams remind us of this truth: we are deeply connected to one another. Your safety is my safety. Your life matters to me. That’s not just good civic duty-that’s the gospel at work.”
Pastor Alisyn Klock of the Esperance Sloansville United Methodist Church shared this inspiring message, along with prayers, scripture, hymns, affirmations, blessings, and gratitude with those who attended The Esperance Historical Museum service on September 14th to honor First Responders. Mayor Royce Gage explained it was the return of this tradition that the previous mayor conducted before Covid.
Pastor Klock shined a light on First Responder sacrifices saying, “In a small community, we know that when the siren sounds or when the call comes in, it’s not strangers responding. It’s our neighbors, our friends, maybe even our family members who jump up from dinner, leave their warm bed at 2:00 in the morning, or stop whatever it is they’re doing to answer the call.”
Praise was given for their sense of duty to respond without thinking to stop and question, “Are you worth it?” and for refusing to give up on anyone in need of their help; making sure everyone is accounted for. Pastor Klock involved kids who were present in illustrating this sentiment by inviting them into the gazebo to put together an animal puzzle. Pastor Klock modeled teamwork by thanking the kids for their help which would allow the task to be done faster and easier together. Mayor Royce Gage would later refer to Esperance First Responders as a team who must work together and have love and trust in each other to be successful, adding, “And we couldn’t do that without Matt (Deffer, Fire Chief) and his assistant chiefs,” and appreciated the training and commitment all Esperance First Responders do.
Once the animal puzzle was complete except for one missing piece, Pastor Klock asked the kids to share their experiences and emotions from times they may have lost something in the past. They shared about losing many things from phones to keys to a cat, and that losing something can make you feel frustrated, sad, and scared. Pastor Klock said when thinking of the puzzle, she wondered if that was how God feels when his people come together on a day like that day; when two different churches (United Methodist and Presbyterian), and a whole community comes together. Acknowledging it can be frustrating when a piece is missing. Pastor Klock then encouraged the kids to search and not give up until the last piece was found and explained, “When we don’t give up and we decide we’re going to look for all the pieces, look what we can put together…it creates a beautiful picture. Isn’t that what First Responders do, too? They search. They go out. They put themselves at risk for the sake of others. They don’t say, ‘Well, most people are safe, so it’s fine.’ No-they go until everyone is accounted for;” every last piece of the puzzle.
Gage called Steve Robinson up next to present a check to Deffer for him and his volunteers on behalf of the Esperance Elks Club and said it is, “A small token of our appreciation for, as Pastor Alyson said, responding to the call; when everybody runs from the danger you guys run towards it.”
Gage thanked the First Responders and the Elks Club for everything they do for the community and added, “Most important, the kids, when their mom and dads have to leave for an ambulance call or a fire; they get up and leave their family at their family reunions, thanksgiving dinners. These ladies and gentlemen are dedicated to the Village and community. That means a lot to us, and thank you for everything.”
The service was followed by lunch in the park that was provided by the Esperance Elks Club. Gage also offered for anyone in attendance who was interested in walking through the fire department and seeing the equipment to go visit their 24/7 paid EMTs for a tour.
In a moment of intentional pause to lift up concerns they wished for God to hear, Pastor Klock called for prayers of victims of violence in this country. A community member wanted the family of congregation member, Al Diamond, whose funeral was held the day before, in people’s thoughts. While Deffer asked we all keep Chief Brian Baker and family in our prayers. An Esperance Fire and Rescue Squad Facebook page post later that evening updated, “The Esperance Volunteer Fire Department has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Central Bridge Fire, collaborating on countless calls, training exercises, and shared moments of joy and sorrow. We honor the legacy of Chief Baker, and our thoughts are with the Central Bridge Fire Department and the Chief Baker Family as we celebrate a life of service and dedication.”
Pastor Klock’s blessing of the First Responders asked they be kept safe, that they know their life and labor matters, wished comfort for them and those they serve, and for the chance to, “Return home to those who love you, time and time again.”
Angela Burman (Secretary/Treasurer/Auxiliary) explained you can always support First Responders with, “Water, water and more water, rehydration with Powerade and money donations to Esperance Volunteer Fire Department.” Deffer said, “I’d just like to thank the village and the community for their continued support and dedication to the Fire Department, so thank you.”
Pastor Klock expressed a hope of, “May we, too, carry that spirit into our lives-searching out the lonely neighbor, checking in on the one who feels forgotten, making sure no one is left behind. For in doing so, we join the work of God, and we join the work of these honored servants in our community.”
First Responders names thanks to Angela Burman (who is an included First Responder in the picture holding the titles of Secretary/Treasurer/Auxiliary), along with Melissa Deffer (EMT- EMS Lieutenant), Chief Matt Deffer, Prior Chief Bryan Deffer, Kyle Smart (1st Assistant), Howard Burman (EMS Driver), Duane Diamond (EMS Driver/President), Beth Diamond (scene support), Charlene Diamond (Scene support/Vice President), Eugene Somers (Fire Police Captain), and Harold Johnson (Firefighter). Esperance Elks Club names thanks to Elks Lodge members Matt Lacy and Steve Robertson included Clif Ballad, David Devall, Jay Diamond, Vanessa Harpster, Paul Louise, Venus Louise, Rose Mattas, Michelle Parks, Liz Robertson, Ed Robertson, Lee Robertson, Verlyn Robertson, Dawn Snyder, Kyle Tice, Linda Tidball, and Deana Tuthill. Also pictured is Assemblyman Chris Tague’s September 15th Facebook post in honor of Central Bridge Fire Chief Brian Baker. Condolences to Baker’s family, to all who knew him, and to all the lives his service has impacted.
Left photo: Pastor Alisyn Klock, Arabella Deffer, and Liliana being held by her big sister, Aubrey Kuhn. Arabella is holding a puzzle piece representing the missing piece they were tasked with finding after building an animal puzzle together during the service. Those in the gazebo joyfully pointed out where pieces connected and slid into place, which showcased Pastor Klock’s puzzle activity messages of the importance of teamwork, determination, skill, and searching that First Responders do every day to make pieces into one beautify community picture. Right photo: Verelyn Robertson ran a rock painting station in the park across from the Historical Museum for kids to enjoy during the ceremony and said of Esperance First Responders, “They’re top notch. The moment the siren goes off, they’re there!” Pictured; left side of table: Dawn Snyder, Lexi, and Liz Robertson. Right side of table: Verelyn Robertson in back next to Lauren, who is focused on her painting project like Carolin also is in the front. Haven is in between them and Aubrey is holding her baby sister Liliana.
During the service, applause, handshakes, and greetings of, “Peace be with you,” were shared amongst those in attendance. Some entered the gazebo to share direct thanks to each First Responder for their courage, skill, hard work, care, and dedication. After the service, The Esperance Elks Club provided lunch in the park.
Photo provided by Esperance Elks Lodge Secretary, Matt Lacy, of Steve Robertson from the Esperance Elks Lodge recreating a moment from the service when he gifted EVFD Chief Matt Deffer and his fellow volunteers $500 in gratitude of their services to the community. Lacy added that next to Deffer is 1st Assistant Chief Kyle Smart and that all 3 of them are members of the Elks Lodge.
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