Coffee and camaraderie

Black Mountain Fire Department makes special delivery to volunteers and retirees 

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
April 29, 2020

Black Mountain Fire Department personnel pay a surprise visit to the home of 54-year department veteran Sterling Poe (top right), one of many retirees and volunteers unable to be in the station during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fred McCormick

Sterling Poe was sitting on his porch this morning when he heard a familiar sound. It was one he’s heard nearly every day for the past 54 years. 

A slow-moving fleet of firetrucks, sirens blaring, came to a halt in front of the home of Poe, who retired from the Black Mountain Fire Department in 1991 and has since served as a volunteer on a daily basis. However, it wasn’t emergency aid that the firefighters who exited the vehicles were providing Poe, it was coffee and support. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the department restricted access to the station for retirees and volunteers who are in the high-risk category for the contagion. The move, while necessary to limit interaction with first responders most likely to come into contact with carriers of the virus, has been challenging for Poe, who hasn’t returned to the station in over a month. 

“It’s hurt,” he said of being away from the BMFD for the first time since 1965. “I really miss the guys.”

Poe was the third paid employee in the history of the department, which was founded as a volunteer organization in 1919. He served as the assistant chief for 23 years and was the BMFD training officer for 12 years. He is also known for bringing coffee for the crew when he arrives each morning. 

“I don’t want the volunteers and retirees to feel like the department has forgotten about them during this pandemic,” said BMFD Chief Scottie Harris. “Especially the ones that wrote so much of the history of this place and paved the way for us.”

Harris, Deputy Chief John Wilson and Battalion Chief Jimmy Bingham coordinated an initiative that essentially brought the department to eight retired firefighters in Black Mountain. Poe’s home was the first stop. 

“I was shocked,” he said of the surprise visit. “I got to see over half of the department, and those are guys I’m really close with. I don’t think they know how much I miss them.”

Firefighters transported a carafe of 1st Alarm coffee, which is made by Dynamite Roasting Co. and benefits the Black Mountain Firefighters Association, to the homes of Kent Barnes, Mike Goodson, Bob Watts, Freddie Robinson, Gary Bartlett, Craig Bannerman and Brad Norton. During each stop, the crew gathered outdoors while catching up with the retired firefighters. 

“It’s great to see these guys and let them know that we’re still here for them and thinking about them,” Wilson said. “This crisis has been hard on everyone, so this is one way we can support some of the people who play an important role in our department.”

While it’s difficult to speculate when it will be safe for volunteers considered high-risk to return to the station, many, like Poe, eagerly await the opportunity to return. 

“I’m anxious to get back,” Poe said. “I really am.”

A photo gallery featuring images of each visit by members of the BMFD to the homes of retired and volunteer firefighters can be found below: