Charles William (Soltis) Summers - North Merrick Fire Department

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks (2020 - 15)

My family has a long history with Fire Departments.  Here is just one of those stories...

Photo Credit: Mark Barone, longislandfiretrucks.com.

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Charles William Summers Honorary Chief Picture, 1980.  Digital image of original photo in the personal collection of ©Virginia Summers Olsen.  Photo is also on display at the N. Merrick Fire Department.

By 1940, Charles and his wife Anna lived at 1458 Rhode Avenue, North Merrick, New York.  Their home was next door to Anna's parents, Edward and Caroline Gillen.  Charles and Anna were married in 1935 and had a small family with a daughter and a son, Edward.  

The Summers' and the Gillen's lived less than 1 mile from the North Merrick Fire Department which is on Camp Ave. Screen shot from google maps 2020.04.12.

Charles' father-in-law had been a founding member of the North Merrick Fire Department in 1926 and a member for the 15 years since.  So it made sense that Charles would end up eventually joining the North Merrick Fire Department in 1941.  Although the word volunteer is not in the official name, the North Merrick Fire Department was and still is a volunteer organization.

Copy of Charles' N. Merrick Fire Department Application from the files of N. Merrick Fire Department.  ©Edward R. Olsen

Charles served the department for 60 years as a member (expect for during World War II.)  

Copy of a note from Charles to the men of the N. Merrick FD during his service in WWII acknowledging a Christmas card they sent along with $2.  From the files of N. Merrick FD.  ©Edward R. Olsen

He started in the hook and ladder company.  In June, 1963 he transferred to the rescue squad of the department.  In September, 1974 he transferred to the fire police company.  He was also was an instructor on many of the trucks.

North Merrick FD Fire Police in an undated photograph. Appears to have been prior to 1980 as Charles is not wearing his Chief's hat. Charles Summers back row, far right.

It was while he was in the fire police company that I have memories of my grandfather.  On the nightstand next to his bed, my grandfather had a fire radio.  Whenever the department was called out, his radio went off.  He would head out in his car to the location, don vest or jacket, and grab his flashlight that had a red cone on.  Grandpa would then direct traffic to allow the firemen or rescue workers be able to work safely.  I do remember a couple of times going with him on a call.  Of course, I had to sit safely in the car and watch all the activity.  Whenever we visited and the radio went off it was always excitement as a kid to wonder if we would be able to go on the call with him or not.

North Merrick FD.  Image downloaded 2020.04.12 from: https://images.app.goo.gl/t6DDsRcuQCZTPgMr7.

In his memoir, Charles says that the department wanted him to run for Chief, but he always felt he wasn’t educated enough for the job, so he didn't run.  The department acknowledged his service, commitment and dedication by making him an honorary chief in October, 1980.  As of now, the department has only given this honor to five men.

Charles Summers receives his Firematic Medal for 50 years of service to the North Merrick Fire Department.
Merrick Life, April 4, 1991

He last served the department in 2001.  It was at this time the he and my grandmother sold their home and moved to a retirement home in Panama City, Florida.

Charles' last North Merrick FD Badge given in 2001.
The badge recognizes the department's 75^th Anniversary.  The badge notes his Honorary Chief position as well as his 50 years with the department.

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This blog post is part of my Fire Department Series posts.

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How I'm related to Charles William (Soltis) Summers:

                                   Charles (SOLTIS) SUMMERS = Anna Marie GILLEN
                                                                                          |
                                                                            Dad = Mom
                                                                                     |
                                                                                   Me

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52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks is a series of weekly prompts to get you to think about an ancestor and share something about them.  The weekly prompt is provided by www.amyjohnsoncrow.com.  The prompt for the week of April 12, 2020 is "Fire."

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References:
[1] Notes on Family by Virginia Elaine Summers Olsen.
[2] Charles William Summers Memories; As told to daughter, Virginia Elaine Summers Olsen on January 12, 2001

Clipart downloaded 2020.04.13 from: clipart.email