Good Samaritan Farmer credited with protecting lives and property during wildfire
PUD Commissioner Larry Schaapman (left) receives the Washington PUD Association’s Good Samaritan Award from WPUDA President Dennis Bolz.
QUINCY — Farmer Larry Schaapman of Quincy has done his share of early-morning plowing preparing for the crop season.
Midnight plowing on July 5 was a different matter. He did it to protect lives and property.
The Grant PUD commissioner was recognized on Dec. 3 for his quick action and heroics with the Washington PUD Association’s Good Samaritan Award.
Schaapman appreciated being recognized at the Association’s annual meeting in SeaTac, but he readily pointed out he was not alone that night.
It was about midnight on July 5, and the Schaapmans were enjoying a family reunion at Larry’s place in the Baird Springs Road area due north of Quincy.
Looking to the west, Larry and his guests saw the orange glow of fire on the horizon. Larry jumped on a nearby tractor, hitched a disc and started plowing.
Schaapman went back and forth chewing up the ground for a two-mile-long firebreak east of the approaching flames. The firebreak was 80 feet wide in places. West of the flames there were three other tractors carrying out the same task.
Fire fighters from Grant County Fire Districts Nos. 3 and 5 arrived shortly. So did fire fighters from Ephrata. They carried out tasks that were needed as Larry was making his passes.
As a PUD commissioner, Schaapman was eligible for the award, and he believes that is why he won it. The Good Samaritan Award was in recognition of his actions in helping to prevent the spread of a wildfire threatening his neighbors.
“It was helpful,” Schaapman said. “But I didn’t do it all by myself. There were lots of people out there. They should have all been there receiving the award.”
The July 5 fire was a fast-moving wildfire, whipped by strong winds. It was threatening homes and the property of Schaapman’s neighbors.
Schaapman’s quick thinking and determination were credited by firefighters in helping to protect the lives and property of his neighbors.
The Good Samaritan Award is given annually to PUD officials and employees who demonstrate meritorious action in a life-threatening situation.
Schaapman has served as the commissioner for Grant PUD District No. 3 since 2012. His district serves the communities of Quincy, George, Royal City and Mattawa, as well as their outlying areas.