(From the Redings Mill Fire Protection District)I would like to take a moment to recognize one of our families. Former Deputy Chief Michael White joined RMFPD in 1992 as a volunteer firefighter. This was when our agency was 100% volunteer, and when you joined, your family did as well.
Michael spent 25 years with RMFPD in various roles. The other part of Michael was his family, especially his wife, Renee. Renee helped with the Ladies Auxiliary, a support group for the fire district's firefighters. This group consisted of wives and girlfriends of firefighters, along with community members who wanted to help. Renee dedicated a lot of time to assisting with various non-emergency tasks and always found ways to improve the atmosphere.
The memories of family cookouts on Sunday evenings at the fire station, where Renee always helped and was often the life of the event. Then came Grace and later Austin. I watched Michael and Renee’s family grow and eventually got to see both kids frequently as they were raised around the firehouse. Both followed in their parents' footsteps: Grace became involved with non-profits, and Austin engaged in emergency services.
A couple of years ago, Michael reached out to me and shared Renee’s diagnosis. It was heartbreaking for me, but he and Renee faced it head-on and with determination not to let it defeat them. I was saddened a few weeks ago when Michael called and said it wouldn’t be long, and then the news came on Tuesday that she had passed.
What I haven’t said yet is that Michael and Renee moved away in 2017 to start a new chapter in their lives. Their absence has been felt in many ways, but the memories Renee left for me in those short 25 years are of spirit and determination to never let anything keep you down and to keep moving forward.
The volunteer years were the better years when things were similar to today, but much easier. Thank you, Renee, for what you have done for Redings Mill Fire over the years and for the community as well.
The volunteer years were the better years when things were similar to today, but much easier. Thank you, Renee, for what you have done for Redings Mill Fire over the years and for the community as well.
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