December 30, 2015 - Twice in one week, the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department felt the pain of losing a member of their family. On Monday, December 28, 2015 firemen and fire trucks from around the area once again came together to bid farewell to a comrade, Elmer Mathews, Assistant Chief and Training Officer.
Mathews was a founding member of the Joaquin VFD which was organized on March 8, 1973. He served as Fire Chief from 1977 until 1987 and from 1993 until 2000.
Mathews was honored, along with recently fallen comrade Mike Wood, at the Joaquin VFD Christmas party where he was one of four to be inducted into the Class of 2015 Wall of Honor.
Shelby County Today had the honor of featuring a story in 2014 in recognition of Mathews celebrating his 80th birthday.
Related article - Elmer Mathews Celebrating His 80th Birthday
