Bobby Reamy and Eddie Weston are two figures in Westmoreland County who could be considered synonymous with the spirit of volunteerism. Members of the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department for as long as almost anyone can remember, the two have over a century of experience between them– 111 combined years—and have helped save countless lives while serving in the WVFD in several capacities.

Legacy of Service

Last week, both Reamy and Weston were honored by the Board of Supervisors with resolutions recognizing their many decades of service.

Reamy has served in the WVFD for 60 years and is a lifetime member. During those years, Reamy was elected to positions, includ‑ing treasurer and safety officer. On the oper‑ational front, he contributed his experience, knowledge, and leadership in his capacity as a lieutenant, captain, and later assistant chief before serving as Chairman of the WVFD’s Fund Drive Committee and taking part in many others, all the while making more and more contributions to improving the organization.

As for Weston, he holds the distinction of serving for 51 years and achieving Life Member status while still in active service. He’s the longest‑serving chief in the history of WVFD, having served in numerous roles, from engineer and lieutenant to captain to assistant chief. He also served as President of the Westmoreland Fire and Rescue Association and helped guide policy, training, and opera‑tions in a number of departmental committees.

Reamy and Weston have built an enormous legacy of sacrifice, devotion, and leadership.

“I’d like to thank the Board of Supervisors for this honor tonight,” Reamy stated. “It means a lot to me. I’d also like to thank my wife. She says I’ve been married to the fire department longer than her. I’m eighty‑two years old and still active as chairman of the fundraising committee. That is a place for any‑one in this department. Thank you so much.”

With the resolutions passed, the Supervisors gave their remarks to both volunteer fire‑fighting legends.

Supervisors’ Praise Reamy

“I’ve known you (Reamy) a long time, and ever since I can remember, you were a fixture at a number of places in Westmoreland, and one of those was the firehouse,” Ingram stated. “Thank you for your sixty years. That is time you took away from your wife and family vol‑untarily. When someone puts that much of their heart and soul into something, they truly love it. Thank you for everything you’ve done.” “Seldom am I lost for words,” said Supervisor Darryl Fisher, “but I’m trying to find the correct words beyond merely ‘thank you.’ I know it means a lot, but there are times where it seems like it’s not enough. When you think in terms of someone giving sixty years of their life for the benefit of others, and then tack on not being paid for it, it speaks volumes for the character of the individual willing to give up that time in service and sacrifice. How can you thank a person for giving so much to so many? I hope that the example you set serves as the beacon of encouragement for people to volunteer.

“There are people like you that make Westmoreland County what it is. We have lost so much, but we owe so much debt to people like you. I don’t know if the spirit of volunteerism will ever return to its old heights of the generation that went beyond, folks like yourself and those with you. You’ve volunteered almost as long as I have been alive.

“A lot has changed from back in the day. You have sophisticated trucks nowadays, but I can remember those 427 Chevrolets with the straight exhausts. I don’t know what was more fun—listening to the truck, watching you fight the fire, or looking at the energy and resolve that you all as young men had. It’s your time to be honored.”

Fisher then gave just as much credit to Reamy’s wife Brenda, who is a local legend in her own right, having served as the Montross Town Manager for a number of years, among other things.

“Brenda, I’ve learned over time about the folks who volunteer and sacrifice, whoever they may be, and the tremendous toll it takes on family life. You’re a hero right beside Bobby, because when tired, worried, beat up, and beat down, you need that encouragement, and you’ve given it to him down through the years, and I want to thank you as well.”

Vice Chairman Jeff McCormack thanked all the volunteer firefighters and their spouses.

“We owe you all a massive debt, and we don’t do enough for you. It’s a shame, because you do everything for us. You protect our lives, our community, and our property. It’s a shame that we don’t do enough for you all. Thank you for all you have done throughout your sixty years—that’s an incredible amount of time to serve, and I wish I could be more like you.”

Supervisor Woody Hynson added, “It’s not only your volunteer work–but whether you were looking for a truck or the smile you met us all with on the street—you have brought more to being a volunteer than just being a volunteer. You have been a spark, an electric charge to all of us because of your enthusiasm. I owe you and a lot of people in this room a lot, and I appreciate everything you’ve done for us all your life. Thank you for the life you have lived, because it’s made us all realize that we have to do a little better ourselves.”

Chairman Tim Trivett brought attention to the staggering labor that goes into being a volunteer firefighter: “I know part of the resolution says ‘inactive,’ but I’m sure that just means with regards to hopping on a fire truck. Anyone that knows anything about fundraising knows what a responsibility that is. Those trucks Fisher was talking about earlier may have been a few thousand dollars then, but a truck nowadays? That’s more like a million, and it really takes an effort to get one because the County does not buy them—those are bought with donations.

“It’s a lot of work that goes into it—running fire calls, staying up at night, and still working a regular job. We can never say ‘thank you’ enough—this recognition is deserved, and it’s nice to be able to congratulate you and thank you.”

Reamy also received praise from Senator Richard Stuart, who spoke in his capacity as the county attorney.

“Growing up in Montross, I always saw Bobby, Barbara, and everyone else, but it goes beyond that,” stated Stuart. “Watching these people helped me grow and learn that I’m supposed to serve my community and do things for them, and that is what makes it a better place. It was only from watching and learning from how they made this little town of Montross such a special place for everyone. Thank you.”

Praising Weston

After the resolution was read honoring Weston, he thanked everybody. “

“That said, it doesn’t feel like fifty years, but when you love doing something, time doesn’t matter,” stated Weston. “I’ve loved every minute of it, and I couldn’t have done it without such a great bunch of people—the Fire Department, the Auxiliary, the members, the backing—it’s just been wonderful. The County is lucky to have such a dedicated group of hard‑working people.”

“Thank you for all of your service,” said Fisher. Having been on this Board for a number of years, it’s always been a pleasure working with you as Chief. You’ve always represented the Fire Department well. You have held high standards of integrity, respect, and compassion. When you have great leadership, then a department will rally behind the leadership and be reflective of them. You have demonstrated great leadership over the years, and that has transcended down into the WVFD. I just want to personally thank you. It is thanks to your leadership that has allowed the WVFD to grow to be one of the best there is.”

“Mr. Weston, I just want to thank you for your decades of service,” Ingram added. “When I was in the Boy Scouts, we used to meet at the firehouse, and some of those faces are still there. Thank you for your volunteerism and years of service, for taking time away from your family and responding to those calls at 2 in the morning. That shows your character and that of your colleagues.”

“I think you and the rest of the WVFD have a secret weapon—it’s that you’re always smiling and happy,” stated Supervisor Hynson. “A lot of places have people that don’t these days, but everybody in the WVFD has a good‑humor smile, and I think you all are a different group from most others in this country. I’ve seen it and enjoyed coming by whenever I do. ‘Thank you’ is too small of a phrase. I’d rather say ‘what a magnificent job you all have done. I’m proud of you all.’” “I’ve said before that you and everyone in the WVFD have had a bigger impact on this community than you will ever know,” added Stuart. “We appreciate it so much, and it was your example that made such an impression on so many others of us. I am one of those people who learned from you about what you should do for your community rather than what you can get out of your community. We’re talking beyond a mere firehouse—there is not a time where you and the rest of the WVFD haven’t been involved in helping Montross get things done. This is what makes a small town a special place, and that is why we love it so much. Thank you.”

“We keep hearing about how everyone is replaceable, but when it comes to volunteerism, that is not a true statement at all,” Trivett said. “While things are changing, you are irreplaceable. You will never find anyone that was as dedicated as you are.

“Replacing you with someone we have to pay is inevitable, and we know that, though we hope it doesn’t happen any time soon because we know what that bill will look like when the time comes to pay it. Thank you for your dedication and your service. I look forward to seeing you for many years to come.”

The closing remarks were given by WVFD Fire Chief Warren Holden.

“I’d like to thank them from the bottom of my heart,” stated Holden. “The dedication it takes to do this job? I know all about it. But what they have done for this department? Nobody knows. They risked their lives every day, running into burning structures not knowing if they’ll get home. Most people don’t know that—when we leave, we might not be going home to our family. That’s dedication, and I appreciate all of that. I’m proud of Bobby and Eddie. They taught me a lot and are the reason I’m a chief today. I’m proud of them, and may God bless them.”