ROCKINGHAM — Former East Rockingham fire chief Bill Dennis thought he was attending the 45th anniversary of the establishment of department on Saturday — but he found out the celebration was for him.
Dennis, a Richmond County native who now resides in Columbia, South Carolina, was surprised to find out the celebration was for him, with Sen. Tom McInnis presenting the state’s most prestigious honor: the Order of the Longleaf Pine.
“When I first got here, I wanted to try to keep the secret so I pulled around the back — and low and behold Bill pulled up right beside me!” said McInnis, R-Richmond, as the crowd laughed. “Well, I’m not going to let him see me, so I bent over like I was working on something, and I put my mask on; he still caught me. I told him, ‘You caught me, but I’m going to get you.’”
More than 45 years ago, Dennis saw the need for a fire department in the area of East Rockingham, so he and others started the East Rockingham Men’s Club with the intentions of getting a fire department started.
“Bill and others had a vision for East Rockingham; they were tired of people not having fire coverage,” said Mike Burns, president of East Rockingham Men’s Club and vice president of East Rockingham Fire Department Board of Directors. “So many people in East Rockingham suffered because of this.
“It was their number one goal to get this fire department started and they did that,” Burns continued.
The building was dedicated in March 1976 and Dennis served as the chief from February 1975 until 1977 in which time he was already a board member. He served on the board from 1975 to 2006 and was the president of the board from 1987 to 2006.
Burns mentioned how the original loan for the fire department was a 30-year loan, but because of Dennis’ and others’ dedication, they were able to pay it off, buy three fire trucks and add on to the station in 10 years.
Burns, who has been with ERFD since 1987, said that the department has recently acquired extra property and plans to build a substation to better serve those in the southern part of the district, which will lower their insurance premiums.
“We started where Bill left off and added on top of that; that is why we are in the shape we’re in today with this fire department,” Burns added. “Because of everything this man did for us. We are still doing things for the community that this young man started over 45 years ago.
Using a baseball analogy, McInnis talked about how Dennis was always one to step up to the plate, address the ball, and go at it aggressively to knock it out of the park.
“There are a couple of things that could happen in one’s life to get recognized, and one of them is something that has happened to just a few folks,” McInnis said, naming off other OLLP recipients including NASCAR legends Richard Petty, Rick Hendrick, and the late Benny Parsons, who called Richmond County home; former UNC coach Dean Smith and basketball star Michael Jordan; actor Andy Griffth; and evangelist Billy Graham.
McInnis went on to speak of the duties of a firefighter and how great of a calling it is to get a call at 2 a.m. regarding a house fire and not knowing if the floor is going to give way or the ceiling going to cave in.
“That’s the nerve Bill Dennis possessed as he did that in his earlier years,” McInnis said.
In addition to the East Rockingham Men’s Club and Fire Department, Dennis also served with the Richmond County Mental Health Society and other local organizations.
“Your time spent serving in these organizations is an exemplary picture of selflessness,” McInnis said. In addition to your many volunteer efforts in the community, you’re also a devoted church member where you served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and an usher; you radiate your love for Jesus Christ and faithfulness to the church family.
“You not only worked tirelessly to improve the community, but throughout your life, you have also inspired others to give back to our rural county by virtue of your exemplary service of giving,” the state senator continued. “You have had an immeasurable impact on many lives. You are truly an inspiration to many; I cannot think of a more deserving individual for such a prestigious award. It is truly an outstanding achieve
Several Richmond County residents have received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in recent years including: recently retired Dr. Fred McQueen; former Richmond County sheriff’s deputy Sam Jarrell; former Richmond County Commissioner Thad Ussery; former FirstHealth EMS director Tommy Cook; former Dobbins Heights leaders Gracie Jackson, Channie McManus and Robert Broady; former Hamlet Police Chief Scott Waters; and Nellie Parsons, former co-owner and operator of Pate’s Cleaners and Village Laundry.
Dennis wiped tears from his eyes as McInnis also presented him with a flag that was flown over the state capitol.
“All I want to know is did we surprise you?” McInnis asked.
“You did,” Dennis replied. “When I walked in the door, I was totally surprised to see everyone here. I feel humbled.”
Dennis’ son, Pastor Billy Dennis of Roberdel Baptist Church, recalled riding on the fire trucks as a small boy and being disappointed there was no fire pole. He also read letters from the Rev. Allison Farrah and Rockingham Mayor Pro Tem John Hutchinson.
Other speakers included current chief and Hamlet Mayor Bill Bayless, Rockingham City Councilman Gene Willard and Pastor Randy Bishop.
“He’s always been a doer,” Willard said of Dennis. “He is one of those people who jump in with both hands and both feet; a nuts and bolts man. I’ve always admired that in Bill.”
Bayless said Dennis was a “go-to” man for anyone in need.
Dennis said he made many friends during his years with the department.
“You don’t know what a true friend is until you’ve served as a firefighter,” he said. What has been accomplished is because of teamwork.
“The torch has been handed down several times. What you see acquired here comes from each one as the torch is handed down. I thank the Lord I’ve been able to see it come this far along.”
