Farewell to the man with a 'big heart'

WARDEN- As the community flowed through the Warden Fire station doors to show their appreciation for the retiring fire chief Bob Whitaker, all were greeted with hugs.

Seating was limited, but there was no shortage of praise or gratitude for Whitaker. Words like "leader," "committed," "sacrifice" and "big heart" were all used by those who stood up to speak.

"One thing I want to stress about Bob, is that he's a leader. He's proven that time and time again," said fellow firefighter Jack Hooley.

Retiring from the Grant County Fire District 4 didn't come easy for Whitaker.

"I have mixed emotions. I've been doing this for 27 years. This is tough," said Whitaker.

During the presentation several individuals from different agencies including a county commissioner, the president for the volunteer firefighters and the Washington State Patrol presented Whitaker with tokens of appreciation.

The new fire chief Randy Wiggins spoke of Whitaker's commitment as a leader and of the improvements the fire department has benefited from during his tenure.

Whitaker served the Warden community as a volunteer firefighter, commissioner and as fire chief. He is the first volunteer firefighter in Warden to hold the position as fire chief, and actively responded to 3,090 calls in addition to the numerous hours of volunteer training.

"I've been on a number of calls with Bob, and it's always been a pleasure to work with him," Hooley said smiling. "He's always calm, cool and collected."

Whitaker's career started during a time when the fire department had no radios and minimal gear. Hooley recognized Whitaker for playing a vital role in receiving grants allowing the current staff to be outfitted with radios, fire gear and pagers. Whitaker also added four EMT's and one paramedic to the district.

"He has a great love for this community and a great love for the people in the community," said Jeff Whitaker, assistant fire chief and Whitaker's son.

"Through his whole career I remember people calling the house … and Dad would go," said Jeff. "He would help load somebody, helped unload somebody and he would help lift. Whatever the occasion was, when they called our house, Dad would go."

Jeff read a poem about a compassionate firefighter who reminded him of his father. As the poem came to a close several individuals grabbed handkerchiefs from their pockets and dabbed their eyes. Sniffles could be heard throughout the room.

"I think he's a great father, a great example and the kind of person I want to be. It's going to be hard to follow in his footsteps, but I hope that someday I can do that," exclaimed Jeff.

According to Whitaker's grandson, Eric Whitaker, the proof of his grandfather's work ethic is apparent in the worn out steering wheel of his truck.

"His desire to succeed is incredible. I don't know how many hours he's spent at the department, but I bet it's more than he's spent at home," Eric said looking at Whitaker's wife Ardis. "One day I hope that I can impact half the lives you have."

In his final statement as the fire chief, Whitaker addressed the crowd.

"I appreciate the opportunity that I have had the past number of years, to work with you people in this community and especially the volunteer firefighters."

As the presentation wound down and the community was offered the opportunity to speak, Kay Lybbert stepped forward to recall a time when his wife had become ill.

Doctors at a local hospital had told him that is wife had a virus and would be released the following day. When Whitaker, at the time a bishop, inquired on Lybbert's wife's health he relayed the doctors' diagnosis. Whitaker requested that Lybbert get a second opinion because he was certain the injury was more serious.

The following day Lybbert had his wife taken to another hospital where she was diagnosed with a cerebral brain hemorrhage. Lybbert's wife was required to lay flat for six weeks without movement.

"I just want to thank, Bobby Whitaker, Bishop Whitaker, for saving my wife. Thank you," Lybbert said tearfully.

The outpouring of community support made it very evident that a great man was leaving Grant County Fire District 4. For now there are no immediate plans in Whitaker's retirement.

"I have a few things in mind, but nothing in concrete, so I don't know," Whitaker said with a slow smile.

One thing is for sure, the community will miss the man with the "big heart."