(Leitchfield, KY) – For almost six decades Randy VanMeter has made runs with the Leitchfield Fire Department. In 1961, when VanMeter decided to volunteer as a fireman, the protocols, procedures and equipment were quite different then, as he describe the process taking 1.5 years to be validated as a fireman because every member had to give their stamp of approval. Suiting up in 1961 included a long black trench coat, a black helmet that was too big, and pair of black gum boots, VanMeter said he was asked to purchase himself.
VanMeter said his endurance for volunteering comes from his love for of helping people.
