Letters to the editor July 20

Last wish

Retired firefighter Bill Hume’s last request was to save future firefighters from his painful fate. He has spent years struggling to breathe due to burning his lungs as a volunteer firefighter and his dying wish was to make a difference so that no one else in his department suffered like he did.

Bill joined Trego Fortine Stryker Volunteer Fire Department in 1974 at the age of 16. At that time, the truck was housed in a hole in the sidehill in Fortine, shored up with railroad ties. The department did not have the safety equipment like today.

He saw a lot in his 24 years, including three years as chief. However; his worse call was one he tried to pass off as nothing. He responded with a couple other firefighters to a structure fire in Trego. They only had two Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus or air tanks. The other two were wearing them. They approached the fire from both sides. Timing was off and communication got confused. As he entered from one end, the others opened the opposite door seconds before. He was hit with scorching air and heat that knocked him off the porch. The hot air seriously burned his lungs, causing permanent damage. He has been on oxygen for years.

Although, the volunteer fire department now has SCBAs, they are needing upgraded and need to be replaced over this next year. Bill’s dying wish was to help raise those funds. 

In Bill’s memory, his family is inviting the public to donate to Trego Fortine Stryker Volunteer Fire Department, a 501c3 non-profit, and note that the contribution is designated for SCBAs. Please send gifts to TFSVFD, PO Box 420, Fortine, MT 59918.

Thank you. He took his last breath July 12, 2026.

— Tillie Butts, Fortine