If your fire department needed help, this person was always there and ready to have his fire department available to help out. He had a very recognizable voice and his words of caution sort of made him a legend. “Be careful, it’s extremely slippery out,” he would say on the radio. He was respected and loved by firefighters, not only those who belonged to the Grand Lake Fire Department, but by members of neighboring departments. Yes, Dave Fremling was simply that kind of person. “He was quite a firefighter and a leader,” said former Grand Lake Fire Chief Dewey Johnson. “I learned a lot from him and I miss him a lot.”
Dave Fremling spent 28 1/2 years with the Grand Lake Fire Department. He served as Training Officer, Assistant Chief and finally, Chief. He retired in May, 2011. He didn’t want to…he had to. For several years, Dave battled Mesothelioma, a brutal lung disease. While Dave lost the battle with Mesothelioma on March 8 of this year, he had gained the respect and admiration of many. While the Grand Lake Fire Department moves forward, there is a hole in the organization, left by Chief Fremling.
The Grand Lake Fire Department, like many area departments, faced many challenges and opportunities. Chief Fremling took on the challenges and definitely took advantage of the opportunities. As an example, the Twig fire station on Highway 53 has grown, just like the department has grown. Chief Fremling was and still is a part of that growth. He nurtured and watched over the fire department and its members. And, as we have mentioned, he also watched over other fire departments and firefighters.
Chief Fremling isn’t really gone. He’s still there. His will and determination are reflected in that fire station in Twig, the Grand Lake apparatus and the Grand Lake firefighters and first responders who are answering the calls. The real challenge is for those who are following in his footsteps. These people will also have challenges and opportunities and like Chief Fremling they will meet them head on. Chief Fremling would expect no less from his beloved Grand Lake people.
It is with honor that we dedicate and proudly proclaim Chief Dave Fremling as April Firefighter of the Month.
Photos courtesy of Grand Lake Fire Department