In 1982, Robert Ireland was talking to John Jackman who was the Superior Volunteer Fire Chief at that time. Between Ireland's questions and attitude, Jackman recruited him on the spot to become a firefighter, which lasted until June 1 when his helmet badge was retired.

“I’ve gone through about 12 different fire chiefs,” Ireland reflected recently.

“Volunteers make so many activities possible in a small community like Superior. It is unusual to find someone that continues to serve for 39 years,” said Steve Temple, who is the current fire chief and shared the news about the retirement party that the department recently had for Ireland.

Ask any nonprofit organization or community service-based group of people what they need the most today, and volunteers will be No. 1 or No. 2.

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) needs drivers. The bi-monthly food commodities and Mineral County Food Bank needs help. The Chamber of Commerce is doing its best to reorganize and could certainly use some assistance with events and public relations. Volunteerism appears to be on the short end of the stick and the reasons usually revert to lack of time.

But what kept Ireland going with phone calls in the middle of the night and long days with rather unpleasant working conditions.

“I don’t know”, he says. “I believe it was a sense of community service.”

Ireland drove a tender most of the time for the SVFD. Last summer, he was on assignment for the DNRC and the money that was paid to the SVFD is what purchased the 48,000-gallon water tank that will be used at the Tarkio Fire Station.

“I was at the airport (Mineral County) for 20-some days for the DNRC. Then I went to the Thorn Fire (Thompson Falls) and I was there 11 days.”

A first responder can store memories much like a combat veteran and keep them hidden. Which Ireland very well could have done when asked what may have been his most memorable call.

“On the first five years of me being on the department, we had a fire on my birthday. Every year. For five years”, he grins. “I’ll miss some of the people. I buried 2 of my chiefs. But I’m not going to miss the calls in the middle of the night,” he said.

And he’s not going to get any more calls on his birthday, either.