Softley honored for 40 years of service to GVFD
Don Softley was honored for 40 years of service to the Grant Volunteer Fire Department at their annual banquet Saturday, April 28.
An emotional Bryan Kroeker, fire captain and president, delivered a speech to those in attendance, sharing Softley’s 40-year journey with the department.
Softley joined the department in 1977, shortly after graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Kroeker joked that two-thirds of the department’s current members weren’t even born at that time.
In 1979, Softley held his first office on the department, that of secretary, and went on to serve a year or two each as president, ambulance captain, fire captain and senior captain.
In 1983 he took the position of assistant chief, becoming chief in 1988. Over the years, Softley has served 13 years as assistant chief and 20 years as chief.
“Sometimes we joke that Don has to be chief because no one else wants to, but that’s not really a joke. It takes a very dedicated person to want to be able to put in the time to do a good job as chief.
“It takes a special person to show up day in and day out, for the false alarms, the calls to babysit a gas leak at midnight in the winter, the paperwork, the training, the truck cleaning and all the mundane management tasks,” Kroeker said.
He said many things have changed in 40 years. In 1977, Jimmy Carter was president, the U.S. was still testing nuclear devices in Nevada and a gallon of gas was 64 cents.
One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is Softley’s commitment to his community. In addition to the many hours he’s donated to the citizens of the county through the fire department and his full-time job as branch president of Western States Bank, he’s also been active in the chamber of commerce, Jaycees, city economic development, community redevelopment authority and Rotary. He’s served as deacon at his church, youth basketball coach, an official at state track and cross country and at the finish line of the home track meet every year.
He’s also been active in the Southwest Mutual Aid District and the National Fire Protection Association.
Kroeker said Softley could not have done these things without the support of his family. Don and his wife Kay have four sons Chad, Craig, Chris and Curt, and nine grandchildren with one on the way.
“Kay is tirelessly by his side at many of our events. I’m especially amazed at her ability to put up with Don’s sometimes very warped sense of humor,” Kroeker said as the audience laughed.
Softley received a standing ovation as he was presented with a watch, a GVFD coat, and a blanket personalized with several photos reflecting his time with the department.
He said it’s been a good 40 years, but doesn’t feel he’s deserved any of the awards he’s received.
“I’ve been able to be a team member with some excellent people. Overall I’m just pretty fortunate, very lucky,” he said.