VIDEO: Firefighters pay tribute to James Elkins

Thursday, May 7, 2009

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Chief Elkins was a great man and was a huge part in working with the UVFD in our infant stage. We and BBVFD worked together in the beginning to set the standard for the rest of the volunteer fire departments across the county. We will all miss him dearly, but he has made an everlasting mark on the UVFD,

On a personal note, even tho I was not a resident of Bell Buckle, Mr. James was a huge part in my following the dream of being a fire fighter. Before I was even 16 yrs of age and could not be an "actual" UVFD member, he welcomed me into the BBVFD so I could start my education as a volunteer fire fighter. Even tho my membership there was short lived due to legalities, I have never forgotten what that man did for me. Mr. James, you may be gone but you are definitely NOY forgotten!! It was an honor to participate in the ceremonies today. Thank you BBVD for allowing myself and the UVFD to be a part of this special moment.

Asst. Chief Jason "Duck" Barber

Unionville Volunteer Fire Department

-- Posted by Jason"Duck"Barber on Thu, May 7, 2009, at 5:34 PM

Cheif Elkins will be truely missed by all

-- Posted by lonewolf2110 on Thu, May 7, 2009, at 6:16 PM

Bell Buckle, Tennessee -- it's not far from the Interstate.

We came as strangers but left as friends.

Curious about the town name and needing a rest stop during our annual trip from SW Florida to Minnesota, we were intrigued by the huge American flag suspended high between the ladders of two fire trucks. As we walked around town, took pictures and visited shops, people smiled at two obvious strangers and asked where we were from and where were we going. We met June, and heard some of the local history: the origin of the town name, General Patton training here for Normandy -- and about Mr. James Elkins and the reason for the fire trucks and flag display in the center of town. We respectfully watched the old white fire engine in the silent funeral procession wind through town, under the flag, and over to the cemetery. We listened to the solitary bagpiper at the graveside, and the Army bugler playing "Taps" from the corner of the cemetery. We felt the honor, the respect, and the sadness.

A day we will never forget, in Bell Buckle, Tennessee -- it's not far from the Interstate.

Bob & Marcia Schoonover

Afton Minnesota, and Cape Coral, Florida

-- Posted by rbobjim on Mon, May 11, 2009, at 8:43 AM