Honor Roll, M to N - RingBrothersHistory.com

Transcription

Honor Roll, M to N - RingBrothersHistory.com
St. Matthews Fire Protection District
Honor Roll — M to N
This is one of many sections that contain information, documents, letters, newspaper articles, pictures, etc. They have been collected and arranged in chronological order. These
items were collected, organized and entered into a computerized database by Al Ring with
the help of many friends and fellow firefighters.
All graphics have been improved to make the resolution as good as possible, but the reader
should remember that many came from copies of old newspaper articles. This also applies
to other items such as documents, letters, etc. Credit to the source of the documents, photos,
etc. is provided whenever it was available. We realize that many items are not identified and
regret that we weren’t able to provide this information. As far as the newspaper articles that
are not identified, 99% of them would have to be from one of three possible sources. The
Courier-Journal, The Louisville Times or one of the Voice publications.
Please use this information as a reference tool only. If the reader uses any of the information
for any purpose other than a reference tool, they must get permission from the source.
If you have additional information on the above subject that you would share, please contact
me (Al Ring) at [email protected].
Explanation
First let me apologize for any people that may have been left off the list or any
inaccuracies you may find in the information provided. Every effort was
made to get good accurate information.
Second, if you have corrections, or if you have information/pictures etc. on
people that would help make these sections better please contact me, Al Ring
520-529-0910, Tucson, AZ or [email protected].
Information in BLUE means the person has passed on.
During the 1980’s, 1990’s and later, many people “signed up” and took some
training, but never completed the course and became an official member.
This has really complicated the list and I am sure mistakes have been made.
In the full list of members, at the bottom, I have listed many names of who we
think some of these people are. Again anyone with more information to help
clarify this would be appreciated.
We also have tried to make rosters of every year of the department, but again
we have done the best we can with the information we have, realizing that
they will never be 100%. With almost 700 people involved since 1919 it is just
plain impossible to have everyone and the right dates.
Let me thank everyone who helped on this project which is in the hundreds
but Jack Monohan must get a special thanks along with Rick Albers, Jordan
Davis, John Kaster, Kent Monohan, John Volkerding and Joe Wolfe.
Robert B. Malone
Firefighter May 1984 to January 1986
We have found nothing on Robert except his service dates with STMFD.
Ross H. “Pat” Maloney
Firefighter April 10, 1967 to 1973
October 13, 1938 to March 9, 2007
March 9, 2007, The Courier-Journal, The Voice Tribune, Obituary: Ross H. (Pat)
Maloney, former St. Matthews volunteer freighter. MALONEY, ROSS H. "PAT," 68, of Louisville, passed away
Friday, March 9, 2007. He was a graduate of Atherton High School and the University of Louisville. He was the owner of the R. H.
Maloney Company. He enjoyed membership in the St. Matthews Masonic Lodge, Kosair Shrine Temple, the Kentucky FOP, the
Louisville, JC's, and was a Kentucky Colonel. He served proudly for many years as a volunteer fireman for the St. Matthews Fire
Department. He coached football, softball and baseball for the St. Matthews and Lyndon little leagues as well as football official for
the Kentucky High School Athletic Association. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Gail Parsons Maloney; three children, Jeffery Maloney, Russo; a brother, Donald Maloney (Karen); and sisters, Betty Bramblett (James) and Jeanette Rodencial (John). A
remembrance service for Pat will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2007. Expressions of sympathy may take the from of
donations to Hospice and Palliative Care of Louisville.
Atherton High School and reunion 2006
Stephen “Steve” Marchino
Firefighter 1994 to 1996
Steve was born December 31st 1970/Indianapolis, Indiana and is currently live in Chicago. He attended Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis, IN, Purdue University B.S., West Lafayette, IN, Murray State University M.S., Murray, KY, and Butler University Marketing, Indianapolis, IN. Steve’s careers include Cardiac
Rhythm & Disease Management Territory Manager at Medtronic - Chicago, IL, Territory Manager at USGI
Medical - San Clemente, CA, Senior Diabetes Care / Women’s Health Specialist at Eli Lilly - Indianapolis,
IN, Health & Safety Engineer at Eli Lilly - Indianapolis, IN, Engineer/Supervisor at General Motors - Grand
Rapids, MI, Varsity Crew Coach at Murray State University - Murray, KY, Research Assistant at Tampere
University of Technology - Tampere, Finland, Operations Manager at Motion Industries - Louisville, KY,
Firefighter at St. Mathews Fire Department - Louisville, KY. His activities include Driving Instructor for
PCA and Ironman Triathlon 2007. He was sTMFD from 1994 - 1996. He is presently single (2010). “I have
often said that being a volunteer firefighter was the most rewarding job I've ever had. Perhaps when I retire,
they will take me back…”
Forest C. Marcum
Firefighter 2004 to 2007
I was born in Louisville on January 1, 1978, attended numerous schools but ended up graduating from Atherton High School. I've worked as a carpenter, cook, produce delivery man, lifeguard etc.. I started my firefighting with St. Matthews in 2003 as a volunteer, and shortly there after was hired on full time. In 2007 I left
St. Matthews FD to pursue my career with the Louisville Fire Dept, and have been there ever since. I am married to Allison Forrester, and have three children.
Ray C. Marrilla
Made Honorary Firefighter by Chief Al Haeberlin in September 1977
September 22, 1977: The Voice, by Kathy French: Firefighters, friend appreciate each other. Ray Marrilla wanted to show the St. Matthews Volunteer Fire department his appreciation. Meanwhile, the firemen wanted to honor Marrilla. The mutual admirers got together Tuesday evening at the St. Matthews fire house on Lyndon Way.
As he’s done several times in the last seven years, Marrilla threw a party for the firemen. In recognition for the “good job they did,
for the Crusade for Children,” recalled Marrilla, he first entertained the firefighters in 1970.
He rented a hall, provided food, drinks, door prizes, and had a quartet singing, a piano playing, and dignitaries speaking. The gala
affair was repeated three times, until the crowd drew so huge that it “got out of hand,” Marrilla recalled in an interview Monday.
Asked if the cost had become prohibitive, Marrilla was quick to respond, “we don’t mind that. I’m tickled to death to be able to do
it.”
Two years have passed, and Marrilla recently decided it was time for another get-together. He said many of the “old timers,” like
“the kid next door,” have rejoined the fire department.
Tuesday he fried bratwurst and brought a feast of cold cuts and salads. “We might have a beer or two,” he added—Marrilla has
owned the Top Hat Liquor Store for 23 years.
Before the party began, St. Matthews Fire Chief Al Haeberlin made the businessman an honorary firefighter and presented him with
a plaque. “He is really dedicated to his community, and we accept his kindness,” said the chief.
Marrilla was surprised, as he thought he was the one doing the appreciation. “I think we take the fire department for granted,” he
said. Last winter when it was so cold, he recalled, “I’d hear the siren and I’d pull up the blanket, but those guys were out there doing their job.”
He says he’s been fortunate that he’s never needed the firefighters service, but “I know they’d be right
here.” He lived at 331 Sherrin Avenue, Norbourne Estates, for 29 years, and “I don’t know what we’d
do without them.”
Although he prefers to remain in the background, Marrilla shared a little information about himself.
This merchant with his warm, friendly smile has hidden talents.
In 1945, he helped form the local barber shop quartet singers who produced the national champion
Thoroughbred Chorus and the Sweet Adeline's. Although he’s no longer active with the Society for
the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, “I sing bass when
I’m asked – and I’m not asked too often,” he joked.
He said that was enough abut him. “I’d rather stay in the dugout.”
Although he never wished to be a volunteer fireman, because “I can’t climb,” Marrilla “just wanted to
show his appreciation for what the boys are doing.”
The Voice of St. Matthews, May 7, 1952 & January 8, 1953
Margaret B. Marsh
Assistant Secretary in the late 1940’s
August 21, 1895 to January 11, 1997
We know she lived at 106 S. Birchwood, TA-3828, and the STMFD bonded her for her position. She also
worked for the Metropolitan Building and Loan Association.
Thomas “Tom” L. Marshall
Firefighter 1980 to May 1, 2012, Sergeant
11/22/2000 Voice article: Tom Marshall: Firefighter Tom Marshall grew up in Indian Hills and graduated
from Wagener High School. He joined the fire department in 1980 and later became a full time career firefighter. He has earned many certifications and is very active in the teaching of fire safety to the children of the
fire district along with countless time he has given outside the community. He and wife, Joy are also into
honey making working with bees. Since receiving this award Firefighter Marshall has been promoted to the
rank of Sergeant. Tom retired from the department May 1, 2012.
Brian D. Martin
Firefighter July 23, 1975 to 1984, Captain
October 2009:
Age 52, Feb 17, 1957
Married to Cindy McClendon Martin - 9/19/81, rode on the tail of 8833 from Wedding
Sons: Tyler – 22 Electrical Engineering Major
Travis - 20 Massage Therapy studies
President/Co-Founder – LOMA Automation April Fool’s Day 1989 – Present
Design and Build of Custom Assembly Machines for industries from Health/Beauty Care (Crest White Strips or Soap Bar Systems)
to Heavy Industrial Robots handling crankshaft forgings and aluminum wheel castings.
Other Activities:
Community Theater – 1998-Present
Leads in South Pacific, Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys & Dolls and Tommy by the Who
Set Construction and Design for Ursuline Drama & Sacred Heart Academy
Float builder and set construction – Louisville Irish Fest & St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Boy Scouts – 1994-Present
Cubmaster 1994-1997
Scoutmaster 1997-2007 (Started Boy Scout Troop with 4 boys grew to 30+)
Eagle Mentor 2007- Present – Have guided 21 Scouts to Eagle with 4 in the “pipeline”
The projects have created over 4,000 man-hours of community service.
Church Choir Member and Cantor –1997-Present
Holy Spirit Catholic Church 1997-2003
St. Leonard’s Catholic Church 2004-Present
Rabbouni Catholic Church 2009
Recent Refugee Family Advocate - Present
Cindy and I are Advocates for the Pokhrel’s, a Nepali family of 6, in helping with furnishings, clothes, transportation and meeting
with JCPS schools along with the Abdulridha’s, an Iraqi family of 4 fixing donated furniture and computers.
(This has been one of the most personally fulfilling activities I have done.)
Byron S. Martin
Firefighter 1941 to 1950
July 29, 1907 to August 9, 1988
Bryon was born in Kentucky July 29, 1907. In the 1930 census he as married to Thelma L. Martin and had a
brand new daughter Dorothy Jean Martin. He was managing an oil station and lived on Lexington Road. He
was on STMFD from 1941 to 1950, and our old registration book shows him living at 201 Staebler Avenue,
(Ta-6651). He had a son who also was on the department.
Gene B. Martin
Firefighter very late 1960s or very early 1970s
March 16, 1942 to May 27, 1997
We know Gene lived on Churchill Road off of Browns Lane during his school years, he graduated from Waggener High school and is the brother of Howard Martin who was a STMFD and Lyndon firefighter. We believe he had a sister who went to Eastern High School. He work for L G & E his entire life. His place of
death was Pee Wee Valley, Oldham Co., Kentucky. Gene was a dwarf but never let it get in his way.
J. L. Martin, Jr.
Firefighter 1945 to 1949
J. L. Martin is the son of Byron S. Martin. At one time they or J. L. lived on Massie Avenue near Clover lane
in a concrete block home. They may have been in the building or concrete business. The old registration
book shows he lived at 421 Wendover Avenue (Ta-5985) and then 4022 Massie Avenue. It appears he moved
from the Massie address to Wendover.
Howard L. Martin
Firefighter 1958 to 1962
July 12, 1923 to November 23, 2008
Both a member of STMFD and Lyndon Fire Departments
Thomas L. “Tom” Martin
Firefighter April 15, 1965 to August 15, 1972
Tom was born in Henry County Kentucky May 20, 1942. He attended Kentucky Bible Institute and moved to
Louisville in 1964. Tom served on STMFD for about 7 years and for 1 1/2 years was the department Chaplin. He was involved with the Louisville EMS for quite some time. Tom has been a preacher most of his life
being involved with the United Pentecostal Church in Shelby County and the Louisville Day Pentecostal
Church. He spent 10 years traveling and preaching in Africa, Egypt and other countries and is now an associate minister at the Lawrenceburg Pentecostal Church. Tom is married to Dorothy and the have three sons, Michael, Harold and Samuel and they also raised Lindsay Jordan.
Eric Marville
Firefighter 1988 to 1992
We know Eric is married to Melanie Garren-Marville, and has one child Ethan, and Eric was born January 6,
1968. He is presently with the Shelby County EMS as an EMT.
Christa L. Masden
Firefighter 1997 to 2000
I was born in Louisville, Kentucky and grew up in the south-end part of the city.
I went to Doss High School and graduated in 1990. I attended JCC for a couple of years and then graduated
from Spencerian college with a practical nursing degree in 1993. After 9 years I decided to return to Spencerian college and graduated with an Associates Degree in Nursing (RN). I am currently continuing my education to gain my MBA.
I moved to Saint Matthews area in 1995 to be closer to work and lived there until 2000. I worked as a nurse in
the area hospitals, nursing homes and doctor’s offices.
My current position is a Director of Clinical Reimbursement for a consulting company based out of Florida. I
have been with them for 8 years. I travel 80 percent of the time all over the eastern US. I am divorced with no
children.
I started with SMFD in 1997 and was a member until 2000. I loved it!!!! During my time with the fire department I met some wonderful people. For a short time I was part of a strong, dedicated and loyal family
who proudly represented the Saint Matthews Fire Department and the city of Saint Matthews. Strong not only because of the endurance and physical strength of us individually but strong due to the team mentality and
leadership we had from Chief, Majors and many of the captains. Dedicated – All I can say is the 3am fire call
from a particular hospital 3-5 times a week for burnt popcorn or the alarm sounding at 5000 Shelbyville road.
That’s dedication. Loyalty was knowing that no matter what situation the people standing with you had your
back; no question. We entrust our lives in each other every time that tone sounded.
I miss the fire service and I hope one day when I settle down to one particular area that I can become part of
the service again.
Mike Mateja
Firefighter 1998 to 1999
All we have been able to get on Mike is that he is Director of Event services at KSFB he is married to Carrie
who is a librarian with the Jefferson County School System and he served with STMFD in 1998 and 1999.
Walter “Ty” Mattheu
Firefighter 1991 to 1993
Ty was born in Pittsburgh, PA April 13, 1966. He graduated from Oldham County High School in 1984 and
the University of Louisville in 1989 with a BS in Finance. He worked at GE 1989 – 1992 Customer Service, United Mercantile Agencies 1992—1996 as an Account Manager, Fifth Third Bank 1996 – 1999 as
Asst Vice President, Retail Banking and presently Crosley Radio 1999 – (2010) present Director, Product
Development. Ty is married to – Kendra and they have children McKenzie and Tyler. He served with
STMFD from Fire Service 1991 – 1993 and “Retired” as Firefighter II EMT – moved from district to Downtown Louisville. Serving in St Matthews was an exciting time for me. I made great friends, learned a lot
about myself, and helped some folks in the process. The commitment is incredible – those man and woman
who give 20 years of their lives, one run at a time, have my respect and appreciation. Ty also served with Anchorage Fire Rescue – Ambulance and Rope Rescue Team and was Firefighter of the Year in 1991.
L. Churchill Matthews
Director 1942 to 1946
We know Churchill lived on Napannee Avenue in St. Matthews, and moved St. Louis after being on the Board
of Directors. The 1939 Caron’s Directory showed L. Churchill and Anni Matthews living at 1706 Deerwood
Avenue, and business L. C. Matthews Co., merchandise brokers 317 Tyler Building.
David Mattingly
Firefighter 1988 to 1992
All we know on David is that he served on STMFD from 1988 to 1992 and has also served on Pleasure Ridge
Park as a firefighter.
Steven Mattingly
Firefighter 1986 to 1991
All we know of Steve is that he graduated from Trinity High School, was on STMFD from 1986 to 1991 and
is with the Jeffersontown Police Department.
James Boyd Mauck
Firefighter March 21, 1972 to September 4, 1973
James B. Mauck, Firefighter March 21, 1972 to September 4, 1973. Jim lived right near Hubbards Lane. &
Blenheim Rd. We know he was a Kentucky State Correctional Officer for a while and we know he went to
Waggener High School 1969 graduate.
Durward W. “DW.” Maynard
Director 1977 to 1984
About 1919 to April 14, 2004
Durward Walker "D.W." Maynard, 85, of South Louisville, passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at Norton Audubon Hospital. Originally from Martin County, KY, Mr. Maynard was a graduate of the University of Louisville Law
School and had practiced in Louisville for more than 52 years. He was a former president of the Louisville Bar Association and awarded an honorary doctorate from Appalachian State College, where he also attended. He was also a Mason
and a Shriner. Survivors include his daughters, Ellen Aloisio and Nancy Flanagan; a son, David Maynard; a brother,
Ken Maynard; and sisters, Wanda DeShazer, Phyllis George, Yvonne Campbell and Lois Bagaas. His funeral service
will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Nunnelley Funeral Home, 4327 Taylor Blvd. (family-owned and operated), with burial in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
Published in The Courier-Journal on 4/18/2004.
Clinton S. McAfee
Firefighter July 12, 1967 to May 31, 1973
Clint was born October 8, 1926 and graduated from the Speed School at the University of Louisville with an
Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and masters degrees. He has one son Scott who is with BP in Galveston Texas with his wife Margaret who died of cancer. He is presently married to Sandra and they live in Houston, Texas. Clint started his career with American Air Filter in Louisville the worked at the family business
Sur Pur Milk Company and then with ICI Chemicals. They transferred him to Houston while building a new
plant around 1972 and he was with them until his retirement. He served with STMFD from 1967 to 1973.
Charles Frederick “Fred” McBride, II
Firefighter 1969 to 1971
August 11, 1942—October 14, 2010
(2009)-Born August 11, 1942 Charles Frederick McBride, II. Called Fred because my dad and I had the same
name. Started Middletown Elementary school, went for 1 year then finished at St. Margaret Mary. Two years
at Trinity then 2 years at Eastern High. Worked for Garrets Standard Oil and Kincaid Trucking 6 or so years.
Joined Army National Guard in 1964, got out in 1970. Went on the Middletown Fire Department in 1960,
went through the ranks becoming Chief around 1989 or 1990. Retired in 1992. Joined Jefferson County Police in April 1965 had 1 month of training then went to old 2nd District for about a year then was sent to 1st.
District for about 7 or so years. Transferred to a traffic unit where I was for about 27 years in radar car and 6
years on motorcycle. The last 11 years were spent as a fatal accident investigator. Retired July 2000. Was
hired back in September 2000 to run and take care of Command Post Negotiator unit, training bus and with
merger got the added job of assisting the Fleet Manager. All this is mostly part time. Married Linda in September 1965 and just had our 44th anniversary. After getting married we lived in an apartment building on
Breckenridge Lane and at that time I made runs with STMFD. We then moved back to Middletown in 1971
or 1972 where we still are.
October 16, 2010, The Courier Journal:
William Keith McBride
Firefighter September 1977 to 1999, Sergeant, Captain
William Keith McBride, Born July 4, 1959 at Saint Anthony Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky
to Robert Edward and Cara Lee McBride. Grand Parents of Curt and Agnes McBride.
(Agnes was the sister of Claude and Clyde Steepleton…….. “CC Steepleton”. Sound familiar?
Raised at 4028 Richland Ave. St. Matthews Ky (DeHart owns it now). At age 5 yrs, moved
all the way to 4025 Richland Ave., right across the street. I have remained a staple at this
address to date. Couple more old folks go on the street, I’ll have seniority.
Attended O J Stivers Elementary and finished at Waggener High School – class or 77.
I joined the St. Matthews Volunteer Fire department, before graduating HS, in 1977. (with
Charles McCune) These are the school chums that I went to school with – Bill Seng,
Charles McCune, Sam McCune, Joe Wolfe, Dewayne Reed, Larry Heafy, John Volkerding,
While on the back of 8821 making a run to the Mall, Jim Graven asked me if I wanted a
job. I said yes. Told me to come to CC Steepleton (there’s that name again) on Broadway.
Harry Babcock hired me that day.
Through the years on the fire department, achieved FF-1 -2 – 3, made the rank of Sergeant
and was then promoted to Captain. Later in the years, the Captain position rotated the Battalion Chief position.
Retired from the Fire service after 22 ½ years as a volunteer, all the while working for Louisville Gas and Electric Company.
Due to a promotion at LG&E to Fire and Security Investigator, I decided it was time to retire from the Fire Service. I am still the
Lead Investigator for what is now called, E.ON U.S. LLC, and investigate all incidents involving LG&E, Kentucky Utilities and Old
Dominion Power in Virginia. I have 31 years service at E.ON U.S.
What a job it is but, I still get to work with and enjoy the fire service.
I am married to my absolute best friend, Sandra Rene. We have two children Heather Rene and Meghan Lee. They are 24 and 23
respective and I am just now becoming a little smarter. I was the dumbest man on 2 feet when they were in their teens. Gotta
dog…….. Blue. He’s a Blue Healer, go figure.
I am proud to say that Megan Lee is now a Dispatcher in the Natural Gas Emergency Operation Center, at LG&E. Meghan is one of
the very few “4th Generation” employees working for the company. My Grand Father (45 yrs), Father (26 yrs), myself (31 yrs) and
Meghan (2), all call LG&E our 2nd home.
Douglas McCall
Firefighter 1987 to 1993
We know Doug served from 1987 to 1993. We believe he also has been on Harrods Creek Fire Department.
We have been told his father is an MD and the enclosed article may be about his father from The VoiceJeffersonian, October 23, 1969.
Courtesy Backcountry Rescuer:
Douglas McCall
Firefighter 1987 to 1993
Courtesy Backcountry Rescuer:
http://www.active.com/donate/17thscottstairclimb/DougMcCall_2008&section=create_fundraiser
Henry L. McCoy
Firefighter 1950 to July 9, 1959
September 25, 1920 to August 28, 2000
Henry lived at 3539 Nanz Avenue (Ta-0463) and then moved to 306 Brunswick Road in Beechwood Village,
and was a car salesman at Koster-Swope , Thurston Cook and Oxmoor Ford. He was in the military and was
married and we think he had a daughter.
Charles J. McCune
Firefighter 1977 to 1981, 1984 to 1987, 2005 to Present (2010), Sergeant
Charles is a St. Matthews boy and graduated from Waggener High School. He joined STMFD as a volunteer
June 11, 1977 and left for the Navy November 2, 1981. Back November 6, 1984 until June 1987 when he
went to the City of Louisville Fire Department. He retired from there and became a full time firefighter with
STMFD August 1, 2005. During all this time he served with the Louisville Fire Department, was an over the
road driver for Frito Lay, worked at the 911 Center and is presently working in the maintenance department
with STMFD. Charles is married and has children.
Duane Sam McCune
Firefighter 1977 to retired August 2000, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, rejoined January
2006 to Present (2010), Trustee, 2009 to Present (2010)
Sam McCune grew up in St. Matthews and went to Holy Trinity and Stivers Elementary schools and graduated from Waggener High School. He also attended two years of Jefferson Community College. He started as a
volunteer firefighter for the St. Matthews Fire District in December 1977, became full time firefighter in February 1979. He worked his way through the ranks and held the rank of Major until he went to Shift Work and
he dropped back to the rank of Captain. He held the rank of Captain until he retired in August of 2000. Sam
missed the job so much that he returned to the St. Matthews Fire District in January of 2006 at the rank of
Firefighter riding the jumpseat and doing all the fun stuff. He was elected to the Board of Trustees as one of
the Firefighter Reps. in July of 2009. Sam has a wife, Leah J. McCune and three sons, Duston G. McCune,
Kurtis S. McCune, and Christopher C. McCune. They have two grandsons, Jonah & Machia McCune.
James R. McFarland
Firefighter June 8, 1968 to December 3, 1969
October 6, 1923 to February 15, 1993
1964 and 1969 Middletown Fire Department photos
Jim was a Middletown firefighter, and came to STMFD with Elsie his wife and two children. Elsie became
the STMFD Secretary and Radio Operator. WE know he used to play Santa Clause at Christmas time.
James R. McFarland
Firefighter June 8, 1968 to December 3, 1969
Jim was also a Middletown firefighter, We know he used to play Santa Clause at Christmas time.
1973
Elsie T. McFarland
Firefighter Secretary & Radio Operator
1968 to 1970
Voice of St. Matthews July 18, 1968, Replaces Blackburn — Blonde takes hot job at fire house — By Joseph Oglesby, Editor
A fire burns in Elsie McFarland’s eyes when she discusses her job.
In fact, she’s hot on the subject.
Elsie’s the new radio dispatcher for the St. Matthews Volunteer Fire Department.
And that’s a job that would make most women tear out their hair.
Elsie even takes her work to bed with her. Fortunately, her husband, Jim, and their two children are as
wrapped up as she in volunteer fire department operations.
The family lives above the fire station on St. Matthews Avenue, and Jim’s a volunteer.
So when a fire call comes late at night, both Elsie and him make a mad dash from their four room apartment to their posts.
Runs barefoot: They keep clothes and shoes nearby so they can slide into them quickly.
“Sometimes I forget to put on my shoes and just run barefoot to the station,” said Elsie.
All the finer points of makeup and hair fixing are lost in the shuffle.
The children, Beverly, 11 and Jim Jr., 9, have learned to sleep through it all. Just the family’s dog, Brandy, wants nothing to do
with fires or firemen. The fire station siren triggers his vocal chords, and unless his confined, he chases the volunteers around the
station in a volley of barks.
Elsie, who formerly was a radio dispatcher for the Middletown Volunteer Fire Department, took the St. Matthews job June 3. She
replaces Roy Blackburn, who has become a real estate broker.
Elsie’s regular hours are 9 to 5 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 9 to 12 Wednesday and Saturday.
But hers is not 40-hour work week. Whenever a fire call comes in and she’s at home, she scurries to her radio command post.
Closes doors: Her first duty is to summon volunteers through and alert over the base radio station.
Then Elsie turns on the siren and posts all the information about the fire on a blackboard.
(The siren’s so loud, she has to close all the doors in the office to be able to send and receive radio messages.)
She then notifies county police of the fire and then waits for the volunteers to rush in.
While they're at the fire scene, she stays at the radio in case she’s needed to dispatch additional units.
Her job’s over when the all clear comes from the officer in charge at the fire location.
“All firemen’s wives should be required to take over the dispatcher’s job for six months,” said Elsie.
“Then they would know how complicated the job can be.”
Elsie said it takes volunteers an average of only 60 seconds to get to the station after an alert has been sounded.
The cleanup operation after a fire takes much longer, she said, sometimes up to half an hour. Truck and equipment must be cleaned
and checked to be sure they’re in top order for another un.
Information center: Besides handling the radio, Elsie keeps all the department’s records up to date sand takes care of contracts with
sixth class cities for fire protection.
In addition, she’s an information center. She said the department receives many calls for information.
“A lot of people think we’re attached to city hall, and I’m asked questions about such things as stray dogs and street locations.”
Before becoming a radio dispatcher at Middletown—where she and her husband lived in the house attached to the fire station, Elsie
worked for W. T. Gant and Gateway Supermarket.
“Those jobs weren't nearly as exacting as the fire department,” she said.
Elsie’s made one big discovery since she’s been doing fire department work. “When we’re going to a fire”, she said, “I can dress
almost as fast as my husband.”
Jim J. McGrath
Firefighter March 24, 1969 to 1977
Jim McGrath: Born October 4,1944.
Retired from Campbell Soup/Pepperidge Farm after 25 yrs. Originally worked as distributor and retired as
District Sales Mgr. Married to JoLee McGrath. Jim has a son, James II (Jay) and a daughter, Kerry and 4
grandchildren. Jim’s son Jay is a distributor for Pepperidge Farm and Dad often assists him in his business.
He enjoys metal detecting and travel. Jim still lives on Monohan Drive.
Robert E. “Bob” McGrath
Firefighter January 13, 1970 to 1974
August 29, 2943 — July 3, 2012
Bob McGrath: Born August 29,1943.
Early retirement from US Post Office after 20 years due to injury.
Bob now lives in Bowling Green, Ky near his son Patrick and his wife Vicky who are veterinarians. His
daughter Julie resides in Louisville. Bob has 3 grandchildren and is a great fan of metal detecting and enjoys
travel. While on the Department, Bob lived on Monohan Drive.
Robert Louis McGrath
Firefighter February 1, 1956 to January 3, 1960
All we know of R. L. McGrath from Jack Monohan and John Kaster is that he may have been involved with
his wife's family grocery business and a food supply company on Melwood Avenue. He lived at 209 Ahland
Road in Woodlawn Park and was an official of that city at one time (Tw 3-7848). He was married to Carolyn
and had two sons. He eventually moved to Indianapolis and got into the insurance business. We have found a
Robert L. McGrath from Louisville, who was born Jun 7, 1934 and died May 22, 2000 but we cannot confirm
this is him.
William A. “Tony” McGrath
Firefighter June 24, 1972 to 1976
Tony McGrath: Born September 21,1941.
Retired from US Post Office after 33 yrs. He and his wife Treva reside in the Cox’s Creek, Ky. Area. Tony
has 2 sons (Mike and John), 3 step-children and 4 grandchildren. He is an avid stamp collector and gardener
still works part time driving the “drug bug”. While on the Department Tony lived on Ridgeway Ave right
around the corner from the fire station.
Malcolm McMakin
Firefighter May 30, 1967 to May 17, 1970
I was born 7/21/1942 in Frankfort Kentucky.
Active in Civil Defense, Took firefighter courses as offered, helped form a C. D.Fire, Rescue Squad which
made fire runs with the Franklin County Volunteer Fire Dept. This was 1958. Graduated from Franklin Co.
High School in 1960 and went To University of Kentucky for two years. Draft caught up and went in Army.
Caught up in South East Asia war games. Got out and it was to late to get back to U.K. in the fall, but could
get into Eastern Kentucky. Graduated from Eastern in 1967, B.S. degree in Business Adm. Moved to Louisville where I became a District Scout Executive with the Old Kentucky Home Council. Joined St. Matthews
Fire Dept. 1967. Became Marshall of the City of Broadfields. 19 years in that position. I believe 3 years with
St Matthews. 2 years with Black Mud Vol. Fire Dept. With Brown Forman 20 years as Safety Director and
Supervisor with Early Times Distillery in Shively. Aux. Policeman Shively 7 years and Training officer
Shively Civil Defense.
Bought 80 acre farm in Orange Co. Indiana and moved there in 1979. Joined Hardinsburg Vol. Fire Dept. Still
active 2009. Belonged to another Dept. Lavonia Vol Fire Co. for 8 years. It borders Hardinsburg. Duel member. I went with Pepsi Cola General Bottlers at Austin Indiana, a 50 mile one way commute for 5 years. I was
Plant Safety Director. An opening and better job became available at Corydon In. 22 miles away. I became
Environmental, Health and Safety Director till my retirement. At 67 I am active in Corydon Rotary Club. Just
finished 4 years as Chief Deputy Coroner, Harrison Co. In. "Goggle" my name and read some interesting stories! 4 years as Deputy Sheriff in Harrison Co. Been a EMT in IN. now 18 years. General class Ham radio operator and Army MARS operator. N9WSU /AAR5FB Mars. 18 years with FEMA and Health and Human Services as EMT, Safety Officer and Security Officer. With Kentucky DEMAT Team out of Florence Ky. Pictures are of Katrina, spent 36 days with FEMA Management support team as State of Louisiana, Safety and
Security officer. Sworn in as Deputy United States Marshal. 12 hour shifts seven days a week. HA. closer to
16 hour days. Got to drive New Orleans Police car to work from New Orleans to Baton Rouge each day. Car
knocked 1 1/2 hours off of commute. Go figure. Active in Boy Scouts going on 38 years. Now Assistant District Commissioner for local Council. Deputy Coroner Crawford. County. Active with local Emergency Management, as Environmental and Haz Mat Officer. Lots of life still in these bones.
Malcolm McMakin
December
3,
2014,
http://www.salemleader.com/main.asp?SectionID=5&Sub
tionID=23&ArticleID=9754&TM=49220.34
FORMER STMFD member
Sec-
Alan “Mac” McNally, Jr.
Firefighter February 1, 1955 to 1960
1915 to January 29, 1967
Mac was born in Louisville, Kentucky and attended local schools. He would up married to Nell D. McNally
and they lived at 3831 Elmwood Avenue (Ta 5241), and had two sons and a daughter. He worked for the L
& N Railroad until he was involved in a terrible accident where he lost a leg and broke his back in five places.
Mac’s son Pat was also a member of the STMFD.
May 9, 1963, The Voice Of St. Matthews:
R. Patrick “Pat” McNally
Firefighter July 6, 1971 to September 6, 1973
Pat was raised in the St. Matthews area on Elmwood Avenue. He graduated from Waggener High school and was a member of the United States
Marines. Hi father, Allan was also a member of the STMFD. Pat was
married for a while and has one son who is a police officer. He is in
Industrial Sales for C. L. Smith Industrial Sales.
William E. “Bill” Medina
Firefighter 1952 to 1960
August 12, 1927—November 14, 2011
Bill was born in New Jersey, August 12, 1927 and came to the Louisville area in 1946, for school at the University of Louisville. While there he worked at Central Glass, Core of Engineers as a surveyor on the Ohio,
met his wife and married, then on to New York for more school at Columbia University then back to Louisville to live at 3946 Massie Avenue. (Res-BE-4279 Bus-WA-4257) He was self employed all his life with
businesses such as Southern Glass Company and then J Town Mini Warehouse Company for quite some time.
They had 4 children and he is presently 82 years old. (2009). Bill passed away November 14, 2011.
Kevin Medley
Firefighter 1982 to 1983
Kevin was on in 1982 and 1983. He lived on Clover Lane between Exchange Ave & Richland Ave. He used
to make first truck out fairly often. He married Keith McBride daughter Meghan. He presently lives in California.
David A. Meiners
Firefighter 2001 to 2007, Sergeant, EMT
David Meiners
I attend St Albert the Great elementary (1981), Trinity High School (1985), University of Ky (1989 ) (BBA in
business administration,)
I sell commercial trucks for Peterson Truck Center. I started in 10/1992
I started the STMFD on 3/27/01 and ended on 5/1/07
While I was on the Dept I became a Sergeant, EMT and received a fire science degree.
I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent on the department and miss it quite a bit.
Carl R. Meisner
Firefighter 1942 to 1949
April 11, 1911 to March 4, 1985
Born and lived just east of Hubbards Lane on Westport Road and at 3835 Ormond Road, Ta-6809. He went
to Holy Trinity school. Carl spent his early career during the depression doing anything he could to make a
“buck”. He then became a meat salesman for Louisville Provisions. He was married to Pauline (brother Jim
E. Sauer also a member of STMFD) and they had 3 sons and 4 daughters. Pauline remembers they ran with
Red Westwood, Jim Sauer, and John Monohan. She remembers the siren going off when they had company
many times and they all jumped into the car and went to the fire station where Carl jumped out, but he took
the keys so they couldn’t follow the truck.
July 18, 1968, The Voice-Jeffersonian:
September 5, 1968, The Voice-Jeffersonian:
William F. “Bill” Mercke
Firefighter January 30, 1962 to April 11, 1972
Bill served 10 years on STMFD. He presently lived in the Louisville area. We know at one time he was an
over the road truck driver and occasionally parked his rig at the department.
Todd Merkley
Firefighter 1980 to 1986
I was born in 1962 in Louisville, KY. I went to grade school at the following: St Barnabas,
Hikes Lane -K through 3rd grade; Our Lady of Lourdes, Breckenridge Lane – 4th through 5th
grade; and Saint Margaret Mary, Shelbyville Rd – 6th through 8th where I graduated in 1976.
(Toy Bowl Champions).
I went to Trinity High School, Shelbyville Rd. and graduated in 1980, from there in went to
the University of Kentucky where I was in Pre-Med and Business. I left after two years with
my Emergency Medical Technician certification.
I then studied Gemology from 1982 to 1986, with the Gemological Institute of America and
The American Gem Society; I earned four Gemological Titles: Gemologist, Registered Jeweler, Certified Gemologist, and Certified Gemologist Appraiser.
From 1978 until about 1985 I worked with my family at our store Merkley Kendrick Jewelers, Chenoweth Lane St Matthews
In 1985, 1986 I became an “Advance Open Water Dive Instructor” I taught Advance courses in Scuba Diving and Certified people
to be come Instructors. I moved to the Bahamas, and lived on Harbour Island for a year conducting scuba diving tours.
I lived on Daytona Beach and then Naples, Florida. I lived in Naples until 1989 and worked for Paul Schmidt Jewelers. In Daytona,
I worked for Cook Jewelers. In 1989, I started a job designing and making jewelry that required me to travel all throughout the
United States…. I have been just about everywhere...... from small towns such as Liberal, KS, and Minot, ND, to large cities, Manhattan, Chicago, from North Pole Alaska to every place in between.
In 1992, I met my future wife then ex-wife, Doreen Crane; she was the manager of Black Star and Frost in Short Hills, NJ. I am
currently single and I do not have any children.
In 1994, I open my own Trade Shop and retail custom jewelry business in Winter Park (Orlando, FL). I did the repair and custom
design work for; Mayors Jewelers, Bailey Banks and Biddle, Park Promenade Jewelers, Zale, Kay, and other jewelers in Orlando
and a few select national accounts.
In 1997 in was chosen to live and work throughout Japan, doing the jewelry design shows, I was there for three months. I continued
on the road until in 1998, at which time I came to Louisville and the family store on Shelbyville Rd., Merkley Jewelers. In that same
year, I divorced my wife.
In 2000, the Kentucky Derby Festival wanted to have a new crown and scepter for the queen of the Kentucky Derby. They asked the
Louisville jewelers to create a design and submit their ideas. I did a watercolor of my design that could be circled and placed above
someone’s head to see how it would look finished. I was chosen and asked to design the scepter as well.
In 2001, I purchased a Jewelry store in Ft. Collins, CO, named Michael’s Diamond Center, but closed it at the end of 2004 due to
the bad economy in Ft Collins, from 2003 to 2004.
In 2005, I went back on the road doing jewelry shows until the end of the year when I moved to Ft Myers, FL. I had started my own
trade work again. I was there until the economy busted in 2007 and I moved to Greenville, SC. I worked for Childress Jewelers until
she closed in January of 2009, again the economy….
In September, 2009 I started working for Steven Kretchmer Designs in Scottsdale, AZ, a famous award winning jewelry designer….
http://www.stevenkretchmer.com , where I am the stone setter and hand fabricator for their designs. I also have my own business
doing trade work for Opus The Art of Fine Jewelry and other accounts. Their web site is http://www.opusartofjewelry.com
The fire I remember the most is the one the older woman died in on Brown Lane. I think the crew was Pat Nolan was the Sergeant,
Sam McCune was the Captain, and Danny Doyle and I were the firefighters. We pulled up with flames out the back and lots of
smoke, as we got our Scott packs on and I got the hose and took the nozzle to the front door we were told that the woman was in the
house still and she had been on the phone with he daughter during the fire before we got there. The daughter was on scene. Sam and
I started in and because the way the house was lit-up, the best search pattern was to the left towards her bedroom. When we entered,
I had the nozzle and Sam was right behind me, the fire was doing and ocean wave pattern like the water coming up a beach from the
back of the house to the front where we were, but I kept the water off so as not to steam the house, a better chance for the lady. We
worked our way to the back of the house and found nothing Sam kept saying to fight the fire, because it was over and past our heads
and in front of us were we were headed was fully engulfed. I kept holding off in the hopes of finding her alive. By the time, we
reach the back, my Scott Pack strap on my right shoulder had burned through and my air bottle was in my left elbow joint, I was
trying to keep it from pulling my mask off and fighting the fire at the same time, it was hotter than hell in there the whole time.
When I entered the hall just before the TV room in back I was already knocking down the fire and I had turned and put out the fire
on the ceiling that had gotten behind us. In the hall, the ceiling came down on me and Sam and Danny had a quick hold on me and
pulled me back out. We had the fire out fairly quickly and Sam wanted me to head out because of how hot it had gotten for me and
my pack was in my arm. I continued out finishing our search pattern now on the right side of the house. I knew now that we would
not find her alive, too much heat, and smoke from the fire and then our fighting the fire. Everything was charred black on the way
out, I could not see anything, and as I got to the front of the living room, I kind of stumble at the couch and ended up several inches
from this women’s face. She was covered black and I did not even have to look for a pulse, I knew she was not alive. When I made
it on to the porch, I quietly mentioned to the officers there, on the porch, that I had found her and were she was. I do not even know
who they were; I think one was the coroner. I found Chief Florence about 20 feet off the porch and informed him. They say when I
stepped out of the house and on to the porch the smoke was rolling off my coat. Several people very quickly helped me out of my
gear and got water on me. I melted my front shield on my helmet, some of the black trim. The side aluminum screw over heated
and broke off. Frank and them sent it to the UL Labs to look at the shield melting, but when they sent it back I got to keep it and it
sits on my dresser, in my room, The sides of my face from my hairline to my chin ended up with blisters, looked like hot dogs on
each side.
William D. “Denny” Merrifield
Firefighter March 26, 1968 to June 7, 1968
We have not been able to find anything out about Denny.
David A. Metts
Firefighter 1991 to 1993
David A. Metts
With more than 10 years experience in commercial sales and leasing, David Metts has now added business
brokerage to the services he offers his clients. David is also the vice president and property manager for Metts
Company Realtors and manages 350,000 square feet of retail and office space, overseeing renovation and construction work as well as supervising the company's maintenance crew.
A graduate of Trinity High School in Louisville, David also attended Morehead State University and the University of Kentucky before joining the family business. He is a member of the STAR (Systematic Treatment
of Autism Related Disorders) Board. David has been a volunteer fireman for the city of St. Matthews and,
during his spare time, enjoys tennis, boating and traveling with his wife and two sons. (2010)
Welles P. Meyer
Firefighter 1949 to October 2, 1958
April 22, 1918 to January 7, 1993
Welles was married and we are pretty sure he had one son. He lived in Green Tree Manor (P-2) (Ta 4798),
and moved to Kinloch in Woodlawn Park. He is responsible for the Historic Marker for Woodlawn Park—
Race Track on Westport Road. He worked for Standard Auto in down town Louisville as a salesperson.
William T. Micou, Jr.
Firefighter August 14, 1956 to June 5, 1967
January 11, 1914 to November 14, 1968
George E. Miller
Director 1945 to 1980
1898 to September 10, 1988
Mr. Miller was born in Leavenworth,
Indiana in 1898. He was a credit manager for a department store and then
went with a major manufacturing company as credit, sale and office manager.
He joined the Board in 1945 and served
the Board of Directors in many capacities.
March 19, 1980: The Voice, Miller retires as St. Matthews fire chairman: At a special meeting of the Board of the St. Mathews
Volunteer Fire Association Saturday, March 8, George E. Miller announced his resignation from chairman of the board.
In a prepared statement Miller released Wednesday, March 12, Miller said he had served as secretary of the board for 27 years and
as chairman for the last nine. Miller added that he hoped to continue as a member of the board.
Explaining his resignation in his statement, Miller said, “It will take a load off me, which I deserve.”
Miller who is now retired said in an interview that he has been employed with credit offices of various department stores and manufactures in Louisville. Miller also served on the gas rationing board during World War II.
One of the most recent acts of the fire board under Miller’s chairmanship was to purchase a custom-built 100 foot, tractor drawn
aerial truck.
July 23, 1980: Resolution:
RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY ST. MATTHEWS VOLUNTEER FIRE ASSOCIATION, INC.
At the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the St. Matthews Volunteer Fire Association Inc., held on July 23, 1980, a discussion was held on the resignation of Mr. George E. Miller as a board member.
UPON MOTION duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the Board recognized Mr. Miller’s contributions as a board member, thanked him for his 40 years of service, and presented him with an appropriate plaque and a silver engraved tray.
UPON FURTHER MOTION duly made, seconded and unanimously adopted, the Board agreed to present Mr. Miller with a refrigerator of his choice and to be purchased by him from a dealer of his choice.
I, the undersigned, chief of the St. Matthews Fire Department do certify that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted and entered
upon records of the said association on the date aforesaid.
It is further certified that upon presenting this resolution to an appliance dealer of his choice, Mr. Miller is authorized to commit for
said purchase with the bill being mailed to the letterhead address for payment in full by the St. Matthews Volunteer Fire Association
Inc.
Respectfully, St. Matthews Volunteer Fire Association Inc., Albert R. Haeberlin, Chief.
Jeffery Miller
Firefighter 1996 to 1999
Jeff was a new recruit June 11, 1996 and served until 1999. that is all we have been able to find out about
him.
Loren Miller
Firefighter 1988 to 1989
Loren was born in Louisville, graduated from Ballard High School and got a bachelors of arts in finance from
the University of Louisville school of Business in 1990. I served about 1 1/2 years on STMFD while in
school. Right now I am an IT manager for ICAP Energy. I am single
Mike Miller
Firefighter 1996 to 1997
Mike was born in Louisville July 11, 1947. At that time he and his parents lived at 315 Sherrin Avenue. He
also lived in Lyndon and on Wolf Pen Branch Road but is back to Sherrin Avenue.
He graduated from Westport High school, went to University of Louisville, and has worked for Kroger for
many years and the last 12 years at Miller Transportation (2009). He is married to Emily and they have a
daughter Elizabeth. He was on STMFD for about 2 years in 1996 and 1997. He was spending to much time
out of town so he had to leave the department.
Mitchell “Mitch” Miller
Firefighter 2008 to present (2010)
Born and raised in Central Illinois, I graduated from Eureka College with a Bachelor of Science degree in
physical fitness leadership, which included exercise science, exercise physiology, kinesiology, nutrition, and
recreation. I have worked in a variety of health care settings, starting out in a Phase III medical rehabilitation
program working with several different patients (cardiac, pulmonary, arthritic, and bariatric). When I moved
to Kentucky, I channeled my career path into the corporate fitness arena and assisted employees to enhance
their health and fitness levels. After being in Louisville for two years, I helped start a community fitness program at Frazier Rehabilitation Institute. Due to the tremendous impact our community fitness program at Frazier Rehab has had on our local citizens, my passion is to continue to bring health and improved living to
those who protect our community. Presently one of the owners of —
Owen Miller
Firefighter 1997
Owen served with the Louisville Fire department and was with STMFD for just a few months
in 1997.
William T. “Tommy” Miller
Firefighter October 29, 1963 to August 4, 1973
October 16, 1933 to June 30, 2003
July 9, 2003; The Voice-Tribune: William T. “Tommy” Miller, retired owner of Harrods Creek Sanitation
and member of First Baptist Church of Prospect, dies. William T. “Tommy” Miller, 69, died Monday, June
30, 2003.
Mr. Miller was retired owner and operator of Harrods Creek Sanitation and a member of First Baptist Church
of Prospect.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Miller; daughters, Lynn Craig and Donna Miller; a brother, Donald Lee
Miller; and a granddaughter, Michele Craig.
Funeral services were private. Evergreen Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
(NOTE FROM AL RING: At a meeting in Clarke Fennimore’s basement discussing who should be the next
officers, Tom (who I did not know well) suggested I should be a Lieutenant because I rode out in charge in the
day time all the time anyway. We should just make it official. Lot’s of negative discussion, but I did make
the vote to be a Lieutenant.)
Paul D. Misback
Firefighter 1951 to March 8, 1955
We don’t have much on Paul. From our old register book we know he lived at 3302 Nanz Avenue and his
phone was TA-4382. He served on STMFD 1951 to 1955. His son played in St. Matthews little league and
was coached by firefighter John Kaster. Paul’s wife be believe worked at one of the local banks in St. Matthews. We believe he is deceased.
Derrick A. Miskell
Firefighter 2005 to 2011
Derrick was born in Louisville, Kentucky March 29, 1983, graduated from Eminence High School in 2002
and became a paid firefighter at STMFD in June 2005. He is married to April Horton Miskell and they have
two children, Addison and Dean.
Douglas C. Mitchell
Firefighter 1978 to 1988, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Trustee 1996 to 2000
Doug was born in Louisville, Kentucky March 15, 1957. He graduated from University of Louisville School
of Medicine in 1983. He is presently married (12/28/1986) to Donna (also an MD) and they live in the Longmont, Colorado area where he is and anesthesiologist. He served as a firefighter in the 1970s and then as a
trustee.
Jeffery D. Money
Firefighter June 25, 1973 to August 4, 1973
Jeffery was only on for a short time because he ended up getting married and buying a house in Lyndon. He
worked as a police dispatcher for Anchorage with Billy Pierce for a number of years. Then he became a police
officer for LaGrange and stayed there for over 20 years and retired as Police Chief. He was also a volunteer
firefighter on LaGrange FD for almost the whole time he was a cop there. He lives near Westport and does
computer programming.
John M. Monohan, Jr.
Firefighter April 1937 to 1940, Captain 1940 to 1941, Chief 1941 to 1977, Director 1941 to 1982
November 26, 1911 to July 12, 1999
1911, November 26, Born on Wildwood Farm in St. Matthews, Kentucky.
Lifelong member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
Attended Holy Trinity Catholic school, Graduated from St. Xavier High School, Attended University of Louisville Speed School.
Followed his fathers footsteps for a shot period of time working for the First National Bank of Louisville.
1936, May 27, Married Katherine Marcilliat, who was born September 20, 1913, and they lived at 3909 Elmwood Avenue.
1937, March, Joined STMFD as a firefighter.
1937, June 3, John M. (Jack) Monohan, III born to John and Katherine.
1938, John and Katherine moved to 3909 Elmwood Avenue, in St. Matthews.
1940, Mary M. Monohan a daughter was born to John and Katherine.
1940/1941, served as Captain on the STMFD.
1941, December 29, Stephen O. Monohan born to John and Katherine.
1941, February 12, Became member of the Board of Directors serving until 1982.
1941, July 18, became President of the Board of Directors.
1941, September, he became Chief of STMFD, and served in that position until 1977.
1942 , he worked for the Reynolds Metal Company and eventually became Plant Superintendent of Louisville Plant 15.
1943, September 18, Douglas Lewis Monohan born to John and Katherine.
1952, December, bought a 355 acre farm with 90 cattle with his brother, Henry.
1953, he became President of Firefighters Inc. a county wide association of fire departments.
1970, April 12, 50th Anniversary and the dedication of their new headquarters at 4114 Lyndon Way, of the St. Matthews Volunteer
Fire department. A new $250,000 facility.
1972, Lieutenant Al Ring designed and Chief John Monohan participated in a major recruiting program using the slogan “Chief
Monohan Wants You.” The Voice-Jeffersonian and WSTM-FM helped in the recruiting campaign.
1972, December 11, his son, Stephen O. Monohan died tragically.
1975, April 10, John achieved the “Magic 70” award (which is a combination of his age and service at that time). After retiring
from Reynolds he went to work at Raque Food systems, a specialty manufacturing company.
After retiring from Reynolds in his late 70’s he went with Raque Food Systems—a Manufacturing Company.
1976, October 19, Chief Monohan announces to firefighters that he will be retiring in July 1977.
1977, July 13, Retired as Chief of the STMFD, while still serving on the Board of Directors, he was made an Honorary member of
the board.
1982, June 10, told the Board of Directors that he would not be available for re-election in July for the Board of Trustees.
1991, February 10, his wife Katherine M. Monohan died.
1999, July 12, John M. Monohan, Jr. died at age 87 at Pine Tree Villa Nursing Home and is buried at Calvary Cemetery.
Nick Names: Nine Wrinkles, Pump Handle, Old Man, Ironsides
His feeling of accomplishment during his service: “Steady growth. That’s been the biggest accomplishment of this department. We’ve tried to grow faster than the community so we can provide adequate fire protection at all times.”
Henry Apperious Monohan
Firefighter 1931 to 1941, Assistant Chief 1940 to 1941, Chief 1941, Director 1956 to 1971
August 21, 1914 to July 20, 1971
1914, August 21, Born on Wildwood Farm in St. Matthews, Kentucky. Youngest of 4 children.
Attended Holy Trinity grade school and St. Xavier High School.
Loved farming, and ran Wildwood Farm for many years.
1931, joined the STMFD as a firefighter and served until 1941.
1939, March 9, he became assistant chief of STMFD.
1940 to 1941, became Assistant Chief of STMFD.
1941, July 9, became Chief of the STMFD for a short period of time.
1941, August 5, Newspaper article: WANTED MEN! Henry Monohan, chief of the St. Matthews Volunteer
Fire Department has called a special meeting of the body for Tuesday night August 26, at 7:30 at the fire
house. At this meeting Chief Monohan would be glad to interview men over 21 years of age who would
like to become members of the crew of firefighters. Men are needed now Mr. Monohan states, and here is
a real opportunity for young men to render a worthwhile service to their community.
1952, December, bought (with his brother, John) a 355 acre farm with 90 cattle.
1956, became a member of the STMFD Board of Directors, and served until his death in 1971.
1960’s, was a partner in the McDanial Tractor Company, eventually
bought the whole company.
During this time he was also involved with other farm implement businesses.
1967, May 27, Married late in life to Marie Therese Lyons, who died
June 19, 1971. They had no children.
Lived at 521 Zorn avenue, Louisville, KY.
1971, July 20, Died at age 56 of a heart attack.
John McKiernan “Jack” Monohan, III
Firefighter 1951 to Present (June 2012) various short periods off, Lieutenant, Captain,
Assistant Chief , Director, Trustee
1937, June 3, Born, St. Matthews, Kentucky. The year his Dad joined STMFD.
Attended Holy Trinity Grade School.
1955, Graduated Eastern High School.
Attended Okalahoma A & M and majored in fire protection engineering, a two-year course.
Attended Bellarmine College and was a track man running the 440.
Worked for Kentucky Inspection Bureau for about 1 1/2 years.
Joined Louisville Ladder Company after the Inspection Bureau, became a vice president and was with them
until retirement.
1951, June 3, Joined the St. Matthews Fire Volunteer Department. (age 14)
1956, attained rank of Lieutenant (the youngest in the departments history at that time) at age 20.
1958, May 21, William Kentnor Monohan born to Jack & Judy Monohan.
1960, moved to 1311 Mill Race Road in Lyndon, gave up his being an officer.
1963, May 25, Jack married Rose Marilyn Wilson and they lived at 3945 Kennison Avenue..
1964, January 19, John Stuart Monohan born to Jack & Marilyn Monohan.
1965, became a Captain on the department.
1967, April 29, Dana Marie Monohan born to Jack & Marilyn Monohan.
1974, became Assistant Chief of the department.
1974, teamed up with Al Ring and started collecting STMFD history for a possible future book on the department.
1976, October 14: Board meeting, Chief Monohan announced to the board that he would be retiring from the
Fire Department in the near future. Along with this announcement he requested that Jack Monohan be appointed as Deputy Chief, and that Frank Florence be appointed Assistant Chief. They would serve until
the annual meeting in July 1977. (Jack Monohan declined to be considered for Deputy Chief of the department, and Al Haeberlin was placed in that position.)
1982, May 13, became member of the Board of Directors of the STMFD.
1992, retired from Louisville Ladder.
1993, June 3, retires from the department and left the board.
2000, July, Elected again to the Board of Trustees where he served until June 2012.
Douglas “Doug” L. Monohan
Firefighter November 17, 1964 to 1969, Lieutenant 1969 to 1973, Captain 11/1/1974
1943, Born
1949-1957 Holy Trinity Grade School
1957-1961 Trinity High School
1961—1967 Bellarmine University
1966, April 16, married Marguerite (Margo) McHugh Tabler
1966—1990, employed by General Electric Major Appliance Division.
1967, March 1, Douglas McKiernan (Kiernan) Monohan born to Doug & Margo.
1969, became Lieutenant on the STMFD Department.
1970, July 29, Kelly McHugh Monohan born to Doug & Margo.
1970, April 12, 50th Anniversary and the dedication of their new headquarters of the St. Matthews Volunteer
Fire department. A new $250,000 facility. “In a speech, Monohan spoke of the past and present of the St.
Matthews Volunteer firefighters, who first incorporated for service back in 1919.”
“With the dedication of our new headquarters, a long-standing dream has come true,” said Doug Monohan, who was in charge of the dedication ceremonies. He was assisted by Melchior Zehnder.”
“According to Doug Monohan, about 500 people attended the dedication ceremonies and open house.
“Cactus” Tom Brooks of WHAS was master of ceremonies.”
1973, Daniel Graham Monohan born to Doug & Margo.
1974, became Captain on the STMFD Department.
1974, became school director for a new Fire Fighting school planned by Firefighters Inc. “Monohan said the
four Schools planned include classes in fighting liquid and gas fires, high rise building fires, and aircraft
fires and rescues. Each will be taught by a professional firefighter who is tops in his specialized field,
Monohan said.”
1974, September Doug and Margo moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, Doug went inactive from STMFD.
1976, February Doug and Margo moved to Atlanta, Georgia.
1991, January General Electric closed the distribution center Doug was running ending his career with General Electric.
1991, Executive Vice President of Stop Industries, then directed the Logistics/Distribution arm of Rhodes
Furniture Company.
1998, retired at the youthful age of 55.
1999-2000, President: Habitat for Humanity, Gwinnett County, Georgia.
Doug’s toy, a 1960 Maxim pumper - nick named “Maxine,” by Dana Monohan, when her father Jack Monohan found it in central Indiana and began its restoration in 1994.
William Kent Monohan
Firefighter 1976 to 2013, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain
1958, May 21, William Kentnor Monohan born to Jack & Judy Monohan.
Attended Holy Trinity Grade School, grades 1-3
Attended Greathouse Elementary School, grades 4-6
Attended Waggener High School, grades 7-12
1976, Graduated Waggener High School
1976, September, joined St. Matthews Fire Protection District – as a volunteer.
1977— Grandfather (Chief John M. Monohan, Jr.) retired from STMFD.
1982, September 25, married Virginia Ann Banet (Ginny).
1984, March, 8, Robert McKiernan Monohan (Robbie) born to Kent and Ginny Monohan.
1986, December 16, Kenton Michael Monohan (Michael) born to Kent and Ginny Monohan.
1987, May 18, hired on as career firefighter/emt at STMFD.
Rose through the ranks of Firefighter, Sergeant and Lieutenant.
1995, received Medal for Valor.
1999, August, became the Training Officer for the Harrods Creek Fire District.
2000, November, returned to St. Matthews Fire Protection District as a Captain, currently assigned to engine
2631.
Was charter member of the Jefferson County Water Rescue Team as Chief Training Instructor.
2001, summer, son, Robbie, became fire explorer at Harrods Creek.
2002, May, son Robbie graduated Our Lady of Providence High School.
2002, July 9, son Robbie enlisted in United States Air Force – (currently stationed at Dyess Air Base in Texas).
2004, Received Mayor’s Citation – (Highest award given by mayor)
2005, Received Mayor’s Citation –
2005, Firefighter of the Year
2006, received Governor’s Award of Excellence – (Highest award given by governor)
2007, April 31, retired from St. Matthews Fire Protection District.
2007, June 1, rehired to St. Matthews Fire Protection District, retained rank of Captain.
November 22, 2006: The Voice-Tribune, Kent Monohan-St. Matthews Fire Department. A third generation firefighter, Kent joined St. Matthews Fire Department in 1996. He was instrumental in the founding of
the Jefferson County Water Rescue Team and served as its initial Lead Training Officer for 2 ½ years.
Kent is married to the former Virginia Banet and has two sons, Robbie and Michael. Robbie is currently serving in the Air Force and Michael has ambitions to extend the Monohan legacy to the 4 th generation of firefighters.
John Stuart Monohan
Firefighter 1981 to Present (2010), Sergeant, Captain, Assistant Chief
1964, January 19, John Stuart Monohan born to Jack & Marilyn Monohan.
1970, attended Greathouse Elementary Grades1 to 4.
1974, attended Holy Trinity School Grades 5 to 8.
1981, joined St. Matthews Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter in December.
1982, graduated Trinity High School.
1983, attended Jefferson Community College fire science program.
1984, hired as a career firefighter at STMFD.
1984, certified as an EMT.
1885, awarded St. Matthews Firefighter of the Year.
1986, August 9, Married to Mary Kay Scott of Prospect KY.
1987, promoted to Sergeant.
1989, promoted to Captain.
1989, September 19, first child born, Ellen Monohan.
1992, February 11, second child born, Megan Monohan.
2000, promoted to Assistant Fire Chief.
2002, March 23, third child born, Henry Monohan.
2003, retired December.
2004, rehired February.
May 1, 1991: New Voice, by Ken Hardin: St. Matthews district firefighters pick one of their own for honor. Captain Stuart
Monohan of the St. Matthews Fire Protection District hasn’t won any popularity contests, at least not according to him or his boss.
What Monohan has won is designation as St. Matthews Firefighter of the Year, an honor given him by his fellow volunteer and career firefighters. I think you’d have to say this award was based on what the firefighters saw as his year-round commitment; this
certainly wasn’t a popularity contest,” said Franklin Florence, chief of the St. Matthews District, which serves about 20 East End
cities.
This was the first year the entire crew of about 40 paid and volunteer firefighters decided the award. The winner traditionally has
been selected by the chief and his officers on behalf of the St. Matthews Kiwanis, the awards sponsor.
“It means a lot, because it came from the guys. That made it special,” said Monohan, who joined the force as a volunteer in 1982 on
his 19th birthday. “I don’t think it was a personality thing; I do try to give a lot to the district and I think the other firefighters appreciate that.”
Monohan, who has been a paid member of the St. Matthews district since 1984, is active in public safety education and other projects, Florence said. He is also in charge of maintenance of Fire Station No. 1 on Sears Avenue and is responsible for helping train
personnel. As a fire company officer, he is in charge of a vehicle, a sergeant and another firefighter.
Monohan was voted Officer of the Year at last fall’s district award banquet. The Firefighter of the Year is selected from the winners
of the officer, career and volunteer categories.
The award was presented to Monohan at an April 30 Kiwanis banquet. Along with a plaque, he received gift certificates to local
stores.
The Kiwanis have been sponsoring the firefighters award and another for St. Matthews police officers since 1982 to help support
community involvement, said Ray Voll, head of the organization’s firefighter award committee.
Voll said the Kiwanis used to select the award winner themselves, but decided to turn over that chore to the more knowledgeable
fire chief. The fire district is a perfect arena for the Kiwanis involvement, he said, because it gives them a chance to recognize the
efforts of volunteers in the community.
Michael K. Monohan
Firefighter 2005 to Present (2010)
1986, December 16, Kenton Michael Monohan (Michael) born to Kent and Ginny Monohan.
Attended Bridgepoint Elementary School in Jeffersonville, IN, grades 1-5.
Attended Parkview Middle School in Jeffersonville, IN, grades 6-8.
Attended Jeffersonville High School, grades 9-12.
2005, May, graduated Jeffersonville High School.
2005, December 14, joined St. Matthews Fire Protection District—as a volunteer.
2006, August, graduated from Recruit School.
2007, April 30, hired as intern at St. Matthews Fire Protection District.
2007, June 11, hired as full-time career firefighter/EMT, currently assigned to Quint 2658 under the supervision of Capt. Wolfe.
Patrick R. Montague
Firefighter March 2001 to Present (2010), Sergeant
I was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1978. I'm a third generation firefighter and graduated Fairdale High
School Magnet Career Academy. I attended Eastern Kentucky University where I left after only one year
when being hired by the Edgewood Fire Protections District. Achieving the rank of Captain, and leaving for
St. Matthews in March of 2001.
While working full time at St. Matthews I continued volunteering for Edgewood achieving the rank of Assistant Chief and we soon merged with the Okolona Fire District where I was reassigned to "Response Captain".
I was promoted at St. Matthews in 2007 to the rank of Sergeant where I finished my degree obtaining my Associates in Fire Science.
I'm married to my wife Jamie and have two girls ages 8 and 7 named Taylor and Brookelynne
Brendan K. Montgomery
Firefighter March 2001 to Present (2010) , Historian
I have lived in St. Matthews my entire life but I wasn't one of those kids that always wanted to grow up and be
a firefighter. Really to be honest I'm not sure I ever thought about it. After graduating St. X in 2000, I enrolled
at U of L and didn't belong to a "team" anymore. That's when in March 2001, I was passing Station 1 and saw
a recruitment sign out front, and thought that sounds like fun.
I severed as a volunteer from 03/2001 until 10/2004, where I earned my driver operator and EMT and graduated from one of the first county-wide recruit schools in recent memory.
I was hired full time on Oct. 25th 2004 - since then I have created the department website, among other various computer projects around both stations. Haz Mat Tech certified, IFSAC firefighter 1 & 2, instructor, engine operator.
In Sept 2006 I married my high school sweetheart, currently we don't have any kids yet. I really do love the
job.
Chris Mooser
Trustee, July 2012 to Present
Craig E. Morgan
Firefighter October 14, 1975 to 1976
Born: Louisville KY
Education: St Albert the Great grade school
Graduate Trinity High School
Trained as a machinist and welder.
Military Service: Honorably discharged U.S. Navy
Trained in Fire Fighting, Damage Control and Shipfitting.
Family: Married 21 years to Denise with one child and one stepchild.
Employed: Henkel/Loctite Corp. last 22 years.
Denise works as a school guard for Metro Police Department
Most Interesting Memory
Riding down Breckenridge Lane on my first run ever, because I lived so far from the fire house, I could never
make a first response. I’m riding on the back, excited that I finally made a run. This was only because a second response was requested. What I see as were racing down Breckenridge Lane is what appears to be Suburban Hospital on fire. I can’t really convey my exact thoughts, except maybe, yes I made a run or oh ________
it’s the hospital. It ended up being a magnesium block vehicle fully involved in the street in front of the hospital. The smoke that I saw rolling over the hospital was coming from that vehicle, not the hospital. We watched
as a pumper pored 800 gallons on it as it burned to the ground. What a way to get started!
Edwin W. “Bud” Morgan, Jr.
Firefighter October 25, 1966 to 1971
I was born February 13, 1936 in Louisville, KY. My family moved to the St. Matthews area when I was four
years old. I attended grade school at Greathouse in St. Matthews and went to high school at Eastern High in
Middletown, KY, where I graduated in 1954. I attended the University of Louisville from 1954 to 1960 and
received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. I married in 1957 and had two children. I married my
current wife, Jane (Sparks), in 1974. I joined the Sales & Marketing Division at Brown-Forman Corporation
in 1968 where I worked until I retired, as a Senior Vice President, in December of 2000. I currently reside in
the city of Indian Hills in St. Matthews, KY.
Troy Morgan
Firefighter 1987 to 1989
I was born in Louisville Kentucky on November 7th, 1967. My parents were Dave and Diane Morgan. Spent
most of my life living in Windy Hills area. Attended many schools with all of the changing of school boundaries and busing at that time. In detail 1st and 2nd were at O. J. Stivers which was located on Westport Rd, then
I was moved to Christian Academy for my 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade years. Then returning to O. J. Stivers for
my 6th grade class. Middle school was spent at Barrett Middle School. Then was bused my 9th grade year to
Central High School on Chestnut St. My 10th, 11th, and 12th grades were completed at Waggener High on
Hubbards Lane. Looked briefly into going into the Marine Corp, but I had a serious case of Arthritis when I
was 17 you would have to check my spelling on it but they say its Sroiatic Arthritis. So that pretty much
knocked that part of life plans out the window. I did a few years of collage at JCC studying in Photography, I
took three years of it in high school and fell in love with the hobby. But I found out later on that I needed to
minor in art to complete the Photography course and I couldn't draw well enough to get through the class. So I
joined up with my father who at the time had been an Journeyman Ironworker for quite sometime now. After
4 years of being an apprentice I finally got my Journeyman Ironworker card and started my career as an Ironworker for Local 70 in Louisville. At this time I have 20 years in with Local 70 and have picked up a lot of
skills. They range from a Certified Welder, Structural Iron, Torch cutter, Layout man, Foreman, Rodbuster
etc. I started working with the St. Mathews Fire Department when I was 18 and stayed with them for a couple
of years, which we all know moms don't like very much. But one of my best friends had been on for a while
and talked me into joining. His name was Brian Tarphy. It was because of him and others on the force at that
time, that I found myself loving what I was doing. They are all a family at the firehouse. Its funny how people
you don't even know after time, are people who you can talk to about life and things that you need help with
etc. I wish I could remember all of there names, but the years that I was there to the best of my knowledge
where somewhere from 1987 to about 1989.
I got married in Aug of 1991 and had two children. A son Tyler who is now 17 and a daughter who is now 15.
The marriage only lasted about 8 years and things kinda fell apart. I got the children which I wouldn't have
had it any other way to be honest. They are my life force and they are what keep me going each and everyday.
So I have been a single dad now for about 11 years now. And I must admit looking back on this there are
some days that I didn't even know if I was coming or going but wouldn't trade any of it. It has made me who I
am and the lessons in that lifetime are worth all of the happiness and sadness combined.
Kevin Morris
Firefighter 2000 to 2001
We have very little on Kevin. He was a career firefighter from 2000 to 2001 and we believe he left and went
to Highview Fire Department.
Wayne Mosley
Firefighter 2000 to 2004
Wayne was born July 14, 1978 in Louisville, Kentucky. He graduated from Male High School and took many JCC classes. He
started his fire career with Buechel in 1994 and stayed until 2005. He served as a paid firefighter with STMFD from 2000 to 2004
and he is a full time firefighter with Zoneton Fire Department right now (2009). He works part time at Fire Department Service &
Supply as a sales representative and fire gear repairman. Wayne is married to Lily and has a five year old daughter Lily.
Kevin M. Moulton
Firefighter 2000 to 2013
Barry David Munz
Firefighter November 12, 1963 to December 4, 1968
Born May 20, 1942 Baptist Hospital, Barry David Munz
Parents Clifford John Munz and Edna May Hammerle (Munz), Sister Phyllis Kay Munz
(Bills)
First home 4307 Churchill Road, St. Mathews, Kentucky 40207, First Phone Number
Taylor 5062
Greathouse Elementary School grades 1-4; Lyndon Elementary School grades 4-6; M. S.
Waggener High School grades 7-12; University of Louisville; Spercian Business School
Careers Louisville: Fun Fair Hobby Shop (Family owned); Shoe Repair Shop (next to
FunFair); Kroger Grocery Store (Shelbyville Road Plaza); Life Insurance Agent; First National Bank (Mail Room and Transit Department); Liberty National Bank (Accounting and
Auditing Department); Paramount Foods (Cost Accounting Department); Tube Turns
(Order Department and Tool and Die Shop); AAM Insurance Company (Property Causality agency, partner/owner 5 years); KITCO Railroad Co. (Subsidiary of Southern Railway
Machinist Apprentice and Roundhouse Foremen)
Careers Atlanta, GA: Norfolk Southern Corp. (Accounting Supervisor retired 2000 at 57
years old.); Masterpiece Communities (Real Estate Agent); ColdwellBanker Residential
Brokerage (Realtor); Kennesaw State University (PT Continuing Ed and Athletic Department); Owner of florist; Small remodeling and repair company.
Organizations Louisville, Kentucky: Boy Scouts troop #222; Explorer Scouts Troop #222;
Civil Air Patrol; United States Power Squadron; Masonic Order; Order of the Eastern Star;
Shrine’s; St. Matthews Fire Department
Organizations Atlanta, Georgia: Men of Acts Mt. Paran church of God Men’s ministry;
Tres Dias non-denominational Weekend retreat ministry; Honduras and Haiti mission
trips; Habitat for Humanity
Military Service: United States Naval Reserve (enlisted at 17 during the start of my senior year)
Hobbies: Design and build stained glass; Design and build cakes; Ballroom dancing
Marriage: Marylee Walters (no children)
Eva Jane Speaker child Sherrell Ruth Munz (Watkins)
GA 30062
Children:
Tamara Denise Grooms
Terri Rene Kemp
Sherrell Ruth Watkins
Grand Children:
Ryan Curtis Kemp
Jonathan Andrew Kemp
Katherine Leigh Kemp
Jeremy Edward Grooms
Emily Lauren Grooms
Greatgrand Child:
Reid Curtis Kemp (Father Ryan)
Attrue (Trudy) Geneva Broom, August 2, 1986, Residence 3033 S. Meadow Ct. Marietta,
F. B. “Bert” Nally
Director 1930 to 1931
1887 to 1946
Born in New Haven, Kentucky in 1887, In 1921 he opened a residence, barber and beauty shop at 3929 Frankfort Avenue. He died in 1946 at the age of
54. He served on the Board of Directors from 1930 to 1931 during the reorganization of the department.
Courtesy Ekstrom Library, University of Louisville, 1994.17, #.002, 1953.
Courtesy of Bluegrass-St. Matthews Historical Society:
The Voice of St. Matthews, September 9, 1949
Robert H. Nanz
Director 1919 to 1930
October 5, 1885 to November 1957
Robert H. Nanz, 72, Schenley Official, Civic Leader, Dies
Robert H. Nanz, 72, died at 4 a.m. Saturday in Good Samaritan hospital at Cincinnati, where he had been a
patient for the past two weeks.
Mr. Nanz retired four years ago as vice president and manager of the Schenley plant here, and retained his office in an advisory capacity until his fatal illness.
Funeral Tuesday 2 p.m.: Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday at the residence, with burial in
Greendale cemetery. Masonic rites were to be held Monday evening at the residence. The final rites were in
charge of Fitch Brothers funeral home, and will be conducted by the Rev. Jack Barrell, Presbyterian pastor
here and a friend of the late Mr. Nanz, who was an official of the Beecher Presbyterian church.
Mr. Nanz was born October 5, 1885 at Louisville, KY, to Henry and Mary Nanz. (rest of this paragraph missing).
During his early years he was employed in the distilling business with the Kentucky Distillery at Louisville,
and was married to the former Miss Virginia O’Brien of Louisville, who survives him.
In 1920 he went to New Orleans as an official of the K. D. & W. distillery and served there throughout the
prohibition era. During this period he also supervised interests in Haiti and Cuba but never moved there. (We
believe he was back and forth to St. Matthews helping with the department.)
Mr. Nanz was prominent in civic affairs in New Orleans and was at one time a Republican candidate for municipal officer there.
In 1932 he returned to Louisville, (rest of paragraph missing). He was involved with Schenley at this time.
Mr. Nanz, who was known to many friends as “colonel”, because of the honorary tital conferred upon him
several yeas ago by the Governor of Kentucky, was active in civic affairs and projects and had headed many
community functions and campaigns. He was a director of the Peoples National Bank, Perpetual Building Association, a member of the Presbyterian Church, Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Shrine, and Dearborn Country Club. As a Chamber of Commerce director and civic leader, he was noted for having led the
move for an Ohio river bridge here.
Surviving is the widow, Virginia at the family home, 421 Ridge Avenue; a daughter, Mrs. Oran K. Henderson,
Augsburg, Germany where her husband is a parachute officer; two sons, Robert Jr., Houston, Texas, oil engineer; Henry, Lawrenceburg, six grandchildren, and a brother Henry, Louisville.
Present at the home here for the funeral services are the brother Henry, the two sons and a daughter, who flew
from her husband’s station in Germany with her small daughter. Ann Geiger Henderson.
Adam C. Nay
Firefighter 1996 to 2003
Adam C. Nay, Firefighter, born May 5, 1977 and became Trinity graduate. Served on STMFD 1996 to 2003.
He lives in the St. Matthews area.
Ryan Naylor
Firefighter 2000 to 2001
All we have on Ryan is that he served STMFD from 2000 to 2001 and then went to Franklin, TN.
Andrew William Neichter
Firefighter Captain 1919 to 1920, Chief 1920 to 1939, Director 1930 to 1934
January 27, 1898 to August 26, 1992
Was born in St. Matthews January 27, 1898. He went to grade
school here and two years of high
school at Holy Trinity. He was a
mechanic for A. J. Eline for 35
years before retiring to San Diego California. He was married
and had two sons. He joined the
department in 1919 and was the
departments first Captain, and
became the Chief of the department in 1920 serving in that capacity until March 9, 1939. He
was also a member of the Board
of Directors from 1930 to 1934.
He returned to Jeffersontown,
Kentucky and died at the age of
94, August 26, 1992.
From: ST. MATTHEWS
Don C. Leahy, English 101-B, Miss Lyons, May 1938
This association operated for two years on a helter-skelter, hit or miss basis. The first one to the garage, or the first one to know
where the fire was, drove the fire truck. It was one of those old time Ford trucks capable, I think, of doing all of twenty miles an
hour. Assuming that our apparatus got to the fire — and it did even though some one had to pull it — there was quite some confusion as to what everyone should do. So in 1921, Andrew Neichter, a mechanic working in Eline’s Garage, which is right next to the
garage that houses the fire truck, was appointed Fire Chief.
Let me say in passing, that here is really a firefighter. Neichter does not get paid for his services. He is no public hero — being
disliked by more people in St. Matthews than liked. But he is a firefighter. In the densest of smoke, in the thickest of fires, he fights
it and how! He acts as though crazy around a fire. He has been termed fool-hardy and declared not to have much sense. In case of
a fire, or better to say when fighting a fire, he rushes in where angels — nay even devils, would fear to tread. He searches through
the smoke for the source of the fire armed only with his hose, and somehow, miraculously, he finds it, and if it can be put right out,
he puts it out. I have seen this individual dash into a smoking inferno with never a though of safety — only the thought of getting to
the fire and extinguishing it. He has been overcome by smoke, passed out, been taken to the hospital, seriously ill from lung burn
from swallowing too much smoke or fire. But he comes back. And, Ladies and Gentlemen, remember he gets no pay for his job, he
is still a mechanic at Eline’s Garage. This is his only means of sustenance. Whether he fights fires with such gusto from a personal
satisfaction or from some other reason, whether from the feeling of prestige or what? One will never know. He has been declared
insane for his throwing-caution-to-the wind-attitude. But insane or condemned, he fights fires and gets results. That’s why Andy
Neichter is still alive and still chief of the St. Matthews Volunteer Fire Association.
Newman
Commissioned Agent, 1937
George W. Nichaus
Firefighter 1940 to 1942
We have not been able to find anything factual about George. We tried the 1930 census, the Caron’s directories, and found know one who remembers him. Someone said he might have been involved with a grocery at
Bauer Avenue and Frankfort or Cannons Lane. All we know is he was STMFD from 1940 to 1942.
Joseph L. “Joe” Noland, Jr.
Firefighter May 9, 1974 to 1976, Sergeant
Joe was born in Louisville, Kentucky September 18, 1953. He went to St. Margaret Mary Elementary school
and graduated from Trinity High school. Then 2 1/2 years at JCC. He worked at the Convenient Store on
Hubbards Lane and his fathers business Joe Noland Hauling. He then joined UPS and was transferred to
Bowling Green, Kentucky. 32 years later in September 2008 he retired. Joe is married to Sherrie and they
had a boy Joseph III and a daughter Stephanie. While on the department he remember having a ball at waterball, being sergeant on 8833 under Captain Strange.
Mike E. Noland
Firefighter March 27, 1973 to 1995, Sergeant, Captain, Major
Mike grew up in St. Matthews and is one of three brothers who served on STMFD. Mike served from 1973 to
1995. from firefighter to Major. He graduated from Waggener High School in 1973. From his facebook page
we bget the following. Official Fairgrounds Motor Speedway, I grew up in the East End of Louisville in the
70's, 80's and 90's, State Fire Rescue Training Area 6, This winter may be bad, but I survived the blizzard of
'78, Classmates of 1973, Kentucky Derby Festival Official Group, St. Matthews Firefighter Combat Challenge
Team, The IZOD IndyCar Series, Lyndon Fire Department, Louisville KY, Humana Alumni, Ceridian Alumni, Midget Racing Returns to "The Stadium", Albers for Senate, St. Matthews Fire Department. Presently
works with Humana.
Patrick H. “Pat” Noland
Firefighter August 15, 1974 to 2000, Sergeant
August 17, 1956 to October 2, 2000
Pat was born in Louisville, Kentucky, August 17, 1956 and lived on Bonner Avenue all his life with his parents. He worked for his father’s business Joe Noland Hauling. Pat never married or had a family. He died of
diabetes.
October 5, 2000:
Graveside Dispatch Message
At the prescribed moment, apparatus radios graveside shall be locked on the dispatch channel and the volume raised significantly.
All St. Matthews firefighter’s pagers shall be on the alert tone mode with the volume raised.
Upon a signal from the grave site, the dispatcher shall:
1.
2.
3.
Sound the alert tone on Fire 1.
Sound St. Matthews Fire District’s dispatch tones (both Stations) on the fire dispatch channel.
Follow tones with the following voice message on the fire dispatch channel:
“Calling Sergeant Noland” (Pause 5 seconds)
“Calling Sergeant Noland” (Pause 5 seconds)
“Calling Sergeant Noland” (Pause 5 seconds)
“Attention all units, this is the last alarm for Sergeant Patrick H. Noland, a 26 year veteran of the St. Matthews Fire Protection
District who passed away Monday, October 2nd”., 2000.”
“Rest in Peace, Pat.” “WPBI-942, Jefferson County Fire clear at hours,
October 5th”., 2000”
John L. Noon
Firefighter February 1, 1965 to 1980
April 11, 1917 to March 30, 1980
John was born in Louisville, Kentucky April 11, 1917. John graduated from St. X in 1937 and spent 42 years
with Kentucky & Indiana Terminal Railroad (K&ITRR). John lived at 101 Colonial Drive while on the department. He married Margaret Mayhall June 12, 1945 and they had 4 children; Margaret, Patricia, Mary and
John.
John M. “Mike” Noon
Firefighter July 19, 1975 to 1988
Mike was born in Louisville December 17, 1949, graduated from Trinity High school in 1969 and was in the
United States Air Force from 1971 to 1975. He was a member of STMFD from 1975 to 1988 and McMahan
Fire Department from 1986 to 1995. He also became an EMT in 1989 and took courses in 1989 in Fire Science Technical Degree at Jefferson Community College. Mike has 21 years (2009) at Louisville Gas & Electric Company (LG&E). He married Janet Zehnder in 1977 and they have a daughter Jaclyn and a son Jeremy.
J. Cecil Nuckols, Jr.
Director 1974 to 1982
July 8, 1908 to August 30,1992
Mr. Nuckols, was born July 8, 1908. The 1920 census shows him living with his family on Allison in Jefferson County, Kentucky. He is the son of J. Cecil Nuckols and Claudine Nuckols, with a brother Franklin W.
Nuckols and a sister Cecile V. The 1930 census shows about the same. We know he went to du Pont Manual
High School, in the late 1920s. In 1937 he was a manager with the Dean Tire Company. He became a self
employed contractor building homes in the St. Matthews area and converted apartments on Chenoweth Lane
to condos. He lived with Claudine at 250 Chenoweth Lane, and died August 30, 1992.