Delta firefighter receives $2,000 'thank you' check

Usually when a business owner wants to compliment an employee, he gives him a raise. Or a day off. Maybe a pat on the back and a "job well done."

Donnie Holley, owner of RV America in Scott City, acknowledged parts and service manager Jeremy Henson by donating $2,000 to the Delta Fire District. Henson is a mechanic and firefighter for the volunteer department and often talks with Holley about his second occupation.

Henson said he was talking with Holley recently about how the department has a couple of new firefighters and what it costs to outfit them. The conversation led to how much it costs to run a rural fire department. A day later, Henson said, Holley told him he was going to donate $1,000.

"The secretary started printing the check, and he said, 'No, I tell you what. Give them $2,000,'" Henson said. "He said he did it because he likes me as an employee and he wants to make sure we're able to continue serving the community."

Holley said he respects people who volunteer for the fire service because they save lives, and he has donated to other volunteer fire departments.

The Delta Fire District gets about $38,000 a year to cover all its expenses, said John Sachen, training officer for the Delta Fire District. No one is paid. All the money goes to equipment, training, upkeep of the fire station, and utilities.

Holley said he gave his donation with no strings. The fire department can use it to outfit a new firefighter or for whatever reason it needs. Sachen said the board of directors will decide what to do with it.

For Holley it was an easy thing to do.

"You get a little," he said, "you give a little."

lredeffer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160