DESERT AIRE - When Larry Bonander heard there might be no Firefighter Golf Classic at Desert Aire Golf Course this year for lack of an organizer, he took the reins and made it happen.

He owed it to the firefighters of Grant County Fire District No. 8, he said. Their chief, Dave Hargroves, had been responsible for saving his life late last year.

Once Bonander knew the task, he dove in whole-heartedly. When all was said and done, the participants produced a haul of $3,200, which is one of the larger amounts ever for the tourney.

The funds are used by the Firefighters Association for its community and charitable activities.

"I learned their value first hand last October," Bonander said.

Bonander, who is sort of retired at Desert Aire but still works at his advanced age, was returning from a business trip on the East Coast when he was struck by a "strange" sensation at the Denver Airport.

"I had a bad feeling under my left arm," he said.

However, instead of seeking immediate help in Denver, Bonander called ahead to wife Nancy and boarded his plane. He asked her to call his doctor and set up an appointment the next morning.

Bonander's doctor gave him an electrocardiogram. Fearing Bonander was having a heart attack on the spot, he called Hargroves and asked for an ambulance to Yakima.

Hargroves himself brought the ambulance. In Yakima doctors stabilized Bonander and on Nov. 7 performed a triple bypass surgery.

"Dave checked on me every day after that," Bonander said. "That was very kind of him."

During one of those visits, Hargroves mentioned the annual golf tournament might be canceled for a lack of leadership. Bonander wouldn't hear of it.

"I owe you guys," he said. "I will make sure it happens."

He did. And thanks to Hargroves, Bonander was able to play.