District recognizes 27-year volunteer

Spokane County Fire District 9 named Capt. Dan Eschenbacher of Nine Mile Falls as the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year for 2009 on Jan. 30.

District Fire Chief Robert Anderson cited Eschenbacher for his 27 years of volunteer service to the fire district, especially in the Nine Mile Falls area.

Eschenbacher grew up in Nine Mile Falls. As a boy, he spent his time roaming the woods in his backyard, fishing, hunting and riding a bike. He came to know the area intimately, crisscrossing every back road, side road, logging road and cattle trail.

His knowledge of the woods became a great asset to the district. Fellow volunteer and District 9 administrative service director Chris Hamp said, “Dan knows every back road in Nine Mile Falls. He knows every place even when there is no road. Many times when a call comes in, and it is one of those places that are hidden in the woods or hard to get to, Dan would know how to get there.”

But backcountry knowledge alone does not make a great firefighter. What moved his teammates in Station 97 to nominate Eschenbacher unanimously is his dedication to volunteerism and leadership. Despite the challenges posed by significant health problems in recent years, he maintains an outstanding attendance to his duty, with courage and good humor.

His stoicism, humor and affable personality inspire his fellow volunteers and foster a strong bond between him, his team and the community at large. “Dan leads by example,” wrote the volunteer staff at Station 97 in its nomination letter.

“There have been a lot of good times. And I intend to keep on volunteering until I can’t do it any more,” Eschenbacher said.

But instead of talking about himself, he would rather thank all his crew for all they have done for him and the community. “They’re just a bunch of great guys and gals,” he said.