Grand marshals have grand history

J.L. Hays, the only active charter member of the Whitehouse VFD, shows off the department's restored 1958 International pumper.

YesterYear president Bob Hagan recently announced the 2007 grand marshals of the annual parade. With the volunteer fire department celebrating 50 years in Whitehouse and YesterYear celebrating 25 years, Hagan said it was just fitting that the Whitehouse Volunteer Fire Department serve as grand marshals

The Whitehouse VFD came to be after founding member Glendal Pike served on a volunteer fire department in the Dallas area in mid 1950s. From those early days of no building to call their own and only an old Army surplus gasoline transport truck to use as a tanker, to the department's home today next to the city park and a multitude of high-tech equipment at their disposal, the department has come a long way.

The 1958 International pumper, which was retired in 1987 and restored to its crowning glory, will be carrying members of the VFD and their families in Saturday's parade.