CLEARLAKE — “The Last Alarm” sounded in honor of Jerry Eaton Saturday as Lake County Fire Protection District remembered one of its own. Eaton was remembered for his endless commitment to the fire department and to the community as well as his ability to lead to by exemplary example.
“Firemen never die,” LCFPD Chief Jim McMurray said in quoting an Irish proverb. “They just burn forever in the hearts of the people whose lives they”ve touched.”
Chief McMurray said it”s hard to recall exactly when Eaton became involved with the fire department. He said it may have all began somewhere around 1954. “Jerry was a volunteer firefighter and a fire captain. We don”t know what year that came about but he was an active firefighter and captain for 15 years,” he said. “Then he became a board of director and then he was an associate member. He was always involved.”
Eaton, born on the big island of Hawaii named Waiohino in 1915, moved his family to Lake County in 1953. His contributions to the community are numerous including the installation of the first pipeline for the water system known now as Konocti Water Company.
Along with his dedication to the fire department, Eaton was also committed to the Clearlake Elks Lodge No. 2299, holding several posts. He was also a Mason. “If you ever needed anything, you just called him,” Chief McMurray said. “I think that reflects on the community because he was also involved in the Elks and the Masons.”
Chief McMurray said in addressing the crowd Saturday, that looking back he wonders if his comrades remembered to thank Eaton enough for all he had done. “Did we remember to thank him enough for all he had done for us? For all the times he was by our sides to help and support us; to help our community in times need,” Chief McMurray asked, continuing, “or for teaching us by his example the value of hard work, good judgment, courage and integrity. I wonder if we ever thanked him for the sacrifices he made; to help us have the very best. And for the simple things like laughter, smiles and times we shared?
“If we have forgotten to show our gratitude enough for all the things he did,” Chief McMurray continued, “well, Jerry, we”re thanking you now and I am hoping you knew all along how much you meant to us. Jerry you will not be forgotten and always honored.”
Following three strokes on the bell, Chief McMurray recited the following fire department standard: “The bell has sounded. In his infinite wisdom, the Supreme Chief has once again sounded the last alarm and our brother has answered his last call to duty. When the hour of death comes, it is faith and knowledge that alleviate our sorrow and that comfort us; faith in God and knowledge that He has called our brother home. God sent our brother into our midst so that we might enjoy his love, his friendship and his loving devotion; so that we might know his virtues and bury his imperfections. Because of these things, we cling to the memory of our pleasant associations with our brother and cherish the hope that when the Supreme Chief sounds that last alarm for us, we all shall answer that call to our Father”s home and there find our brother waiting to welcome us once more. We give our love and heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family and loved ones.”
Three strokes of the bell sounded once again to conclude the service.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
