By Ann G. Forcier
TELEGRAM & GAZETTE (Massachusetts)
Copyright 2006 Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
ORANGE, Mass. — The town has come up with the $32,500 match it needs for a grant to buy a $650,000 ladder truck, thanks to fundraising efforts by resident and former Firefighter Gerald Wetherby.
Mr. Wetherby began the effort to raise money in November. He said he knows firsthand how important it is for emergency responders to have the tools they need.
“I know the need for it (the truck),” he said recently, “and I know it’ll do the town a great deal (of good).”
In the 1970s, then-Firefighter Wetherby found himself in a station wagon with a doctor trying to extricate the driver after a crash.
“He hung an IV on a telephone pole and told me we might have to cut the leg to save the guy’s life. I was taught to do it in the Navy, but I didn’t want to do it.
“We called for the Jaws of Life from Greenfield. They got there and got him out. I never saw anything like it in my life. Five minutes later and we would have had the driver’s leg in my arms. That taught me the need for tools immediately when you need them. When you need them, you need them now.”
Mr. Wetherby persuaded local businesses and individuals to donate items to be raffled, held spaghetti suppers, received donations, and was supported by call and full-time firefighters when they donated a portion of their pay toward the truck. His frequent visits to update selectmen at their meetings saw board members opening their wallets to contribute. He donated his time and money to buy stamps, tickets and thank-you cards.
“I’m a devoted taxpayer and lover of this town,” he said. “I made a grand living from this town and I’m giving back a little at a time. It gives me great pleasure and pride.”
Selectman Steve Adam recently told Mr. Wetherby he did “an absolutely phenomenal job. I’m thrilled at the success you’ve had.”
Selectman Robert Andrews recently surprised him with a story of his own.
Mr. Andrews said Joseph Ferrari of Wicklife, Ohio, sought him out recently at an Orange High School Alumni Association meeting. Mr. Ferrari’s wife, Marjorie, whose maiden name is Muzzy, is from Orange. Mr. Andrews said they keep up with the town by reading a local paper and wanted to help with the firetruck. So they sent a check for $1,000 in memory of Arthur A. Ferrari, who died in 1944.
Mr. Wetherby said anything leftover in the ladder truck account will go to another fundraiser, spearheaded by the Pioneer Junior Women’s Club, to build a garage to house the ladder truck.
Mr. Wetherby also said he is interested in raising money for toilets and running water at Butterfield Park. And he’s already stepped up to corral volunteers to dismantle the deteriorating honor roll at the library.