Unionport Fire and Rescue shows appreciation for longtime support

UNIONPORT -- A local man's support of and commitment to an area fire and rescue department was acknowledged posthumously with the presentation of a special plaque to his family.

The award was presented Saturday during the Unionport Fire and Rescue Co.'s Christmas dinner in memory of Ronald E. Davis for his long-standing support.

It was presented to his widow, Carol Davis, in the presence of family members, who include sons Rich Davis, Roger D. Davis and Ron Davis Jr., who goes by R.J. President Sam Keyser presented the award.

"My father's support for the fire department began when his three sons joined starting in 1985," Roger explained. "He has helped with fundraising. He personally helped to support the fire department financially when it was struggling, but the biggest support was in running his business," Roger continued, referring to R. Davis & Sons Heating and Cooling in the Richmond area.

"He always allowed his employees who were on the fire department to come in late if they were on a fire or emergency call. And quite often he allowed them to leave work to assist at calls," he noted. "He would work late to pick up the slack. Over the years he employed at least seven firefighters who were members of the department. Each was allowed to assist the community during business hours. He was always available to assist if the fire department had a need," Roger added.

Davis was 74 when he died May 16 at Gable Care Center, Hopedale.

The plaque presented to the family reads "In memory of Ronald E. Davis for his long-standing support to Unionport Fire and Rescue" and includes the poem, "Loving and kind in all his ways, upright and just to the end of his days, sincere and true in his heart and mind, beautiful memories he leaves behind."