“He’s kind of the granddaddy of all the fire departments because he’s the oldest,” his wife, Virginia, said with a laugh. “They always ask him for advice.”
He agrees, “I am.”
Benner has been a volunteer for 55 years and fire chief for 38. He joined the volunteer fire department after moving a few doors down from the station.
“I just decided I’d see if I couldn’t contribute something for the good of the community,” he said. “I did and I’m still at it.”
Benner remembers the days when you had to pay 15 to 25 cents if you missed a fire or fire drill. He appreciates the technological advancements that have occurred, such as the upgrade from cotton twill uniforms to fire-retardant cloth.
One of the biggest changes he has seen is the purchase of new trucks for Holland, an upgrade from the “clunker junkers” that were there when he first began.
Firefighting is a family business for the Benners.
Mrs. Benner remembers late night phone calls while Vicki Slaye, Benner’s daughter, recalls interrupted Christmas dinners.
“It’s altogether a different life because you never know when you’re going to have an interruption,” Benner said.
Benner is something of an institution in Holland.
“There’s always something to do down here if you wanna work,” he said.
And does he work. While serving as fire chief, he served as constable for 22 years, drove a school bus for 12 years and was on the school board for 18.
Fire chief is his only current job description, but he still keeps busy.
A recent fire occurred while the Benners were in Temple at the eye doctor. When Benner received the call, he handed the paperwork back to the receptionist and headed to Holland.
“Unless he’s sick or out of town, he’s going to be there,” Terri Crum, wife of firefighter Jim, said. “And he’s going to go by our house and pick Jim up on the way.”
Benner considers the 20 firefighters as family. He cooks dinner for them during their practice drills twice a month and encourages them to receive as much firefighter training as possible.
“I’ve got some good guys. They’re ambitious. When we get a fire call, they’re raring to go,” he said.
Donald Bunte is one of those good guys. He describes his volunteering for the past 50 years as “hot work.”
Firefighting in Holland doesn’t always consist of pasture fires.
“There’s been fires where they come home and they’re thankful. They just come home and hug their kids,” Mrs. Crum said. “And then there are times when they’re just out there squirting water on a hay bale.”
A plaque outside the fire station sums up the feelings about Benner. The plaque states the name of “The Coleman Benner Fire Station.” The building was named for “his 50 years of service and dedication.”
“I hope he stays around a lot longer,” Crum said.
@temple-telegram.com
