North Rose Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary

A steadfast partner

Founded in service

In February 1972, seven wives of North Rose firemen gathered with two members of the fire department at the Knotty Pine Restaurant. Their purpose was simple yet profound: to form an Auxiliary that would support the fire department and serve the community in times of need.

Two weeks later, they met with the full department and formally requested permission to organize. The firemen voted in favor, and the North Rose Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary was born. A subsequent meeting at the home of Bev Cook established its first slate of officers.

The Board of Fire Commissioners granted permission for the Auxiliary to meet on the second Wednesday of each month for ten months of the year, reserving July and August as a summer recess. The first official meeting was held in April with thirteen members in attendance.

Founding officers

President: Joan Galloway
Vice President: Sally Graham
Secretary: Pat Guthrie
Treasurer: Sue Williams
Chaplain: Doris Pierson
Conductress: Sarah Divelbliss

Committee chairs

Fire: Shirley Mills
Ways & Means: Bev Cook
Sunshine: Kathryn Hendershot
Color Bearer: Deana Bellinger
Publicity: Pat Guthrie

May 1972

The first response

The Auxiliary’s first fire response came at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Johnson on Edmonds Road. The home was completely destroyed. The Auxiliary arrived with lemonade and cold refreshments for the firefighters.

In the days that followed, members gathered clothing, bedding, cookware, and canned goods to help the Johnson family begin again. This spirit of compassion became the organization’s hallmark. Over the years, members brought emergency refreshments to local and out-of-town fire calls and direct aid to families who had lost their homes.

Every dollar returned to service

Bake sales, popcorn and candle sales, raffles, bazaars, spaghetti suppers, car washes, and a local flea-market stand sustained the Auxiliary’s charitable work.

Their gifts included spotlights, a water pump for the department’s amphibious DUKW, a burn kit, a pediatric blood-pressure cuff, and a pediatric traction splint. Members also assisted with turkey raffles, chicken barbecues, and other public events.

A lasting landmark

The flagpole dedication

Newspaper article about the North Rose Fire Hall flagpole dedication

The Ladies Auxiliary presents the American flag at the North Rose Fire Hall — The American flag is presented at the North Rose Fire Hall. The pole was dedicated to deceased members of the department, with support from Congressman Frank Horton.

The Auxiliary’s gift of a flagpole—still standing today—became an enduring symbol of its commitment to the department and community. Becky Jo Guthrie led the dedication, presenting the flag to Department President Fred Jenks. This event was supported by U.S. Congressman Frank Horton donating the flag.

In the local press

Newspaper record

Newspaper article announcing Ladies Auxiliary officers — Becky Thomas was elected president alongside Nina Granger, Sally Graham, June Smith, Denise Patchen, and Arlene Briggs. The article also records medical equipment donated to the department.

Ladies Auxiliary newspaper notice thanking local merchants — A public thank-you to North Rose and Wolcott merchants whose donations supported the Auxiliary’s white elephant sale, with special thanks to Bob Anthony for serving as auctioneer.

From the archive

Gatherings, work, and fellowship

These photographs preserve the everyday work and fellowship behind the Auxiliary’s public service—from preparations and meals to meetings and Christmas gatherings.