"Improvise, adapt, overcome:" Bull Lake fire department looks back

The Bull Lake Fire Department recently hosted a celebration in honor of 25 years of hard work and dedication to the Bull Lake community. 

The department was started in 1989 by Ray Sampson, a retired firefighter from the Seattle area. Sampson led the department for many years until his recent passing at the age of 90. Following the loss of Sampson, fire trainer Tony Bacon passed away, leaving the department in a fragile state. 

Janet Miller, a firefighter, said Bacon turned the department around when he joined in 2009. 

“Tony probably trained more firefighters than any one person,” Miller said. “He knew every aspect about fire and even though he is no longer with us, we still do things the way he would want them done.”

Despite the loss of two important members, the department pulled together and significantly improved several aspects of their department, starting with Clyde Miller, a firefighter from eastern Montana who became the Bull Lake fire chief in 2010. 

In previous years the department was mainly focused on structure fires, but improvements have broadened the area of expertise to wildland fires, ice rescue, water rescue, medical training and several other hazard situations, members of the department said.

For the members of the department, fighting fires has become a way of life. Clyde said the firefighters train every Wednesday night for at least four hours. Each person trains anywhere from 200 to 400 hours a year on a volunteer basis. 

“We serve the people of the Bull Lake area to the best of our abilities,” Clyde said. “I am proud of our crew. We train to be efficient and quick, and if we accomplish that, we have accomplished our mission.” 

The anniversary event, hosted at the Bull Lake Fire Station on July 19, served as an opportunity for the public to learn about the changes to the department in the last five years. Informational displays showed the public just how much the department has increased in personnel certifications and equipment. 

Several drawings for smoke detectors and other fire safety apparatuses were displayed at the event, as well as a drawing for a picnic table that was hand-made by firefighters from the department. A life-flight helicopter from Sandpoint, Idaho, was scheduled for an appearance; however, technical difficulties resulted in a cancellation of the appearance. 

Captain Jim Ward spent 28 years in California as a professional firefighter before fulfilling his dream of coming back to Montana. Ward joined the department three years ago. 

“Sharing my expertise with the firefighters and returning my abilities and knowledge to them is something that I am proud of,” Ward said. “The department is a great group of people and I am happy to give back to the community in any way I can.” 

Despite the challenges and the losses endured by the Bull Lake fire department, members constantly strive to improve and help the community with their volunteer services. 

“Tony used to say, ‘Improvise, adapt, overcome and keep evaluating your situation,’ and that is what we are doing,” Janet said. “We just keep going. The best legacy is to keep going in memory of Tony, and the worst thing we could do is give up.”