McMinn County to replace Union Grove fire department

Union Grove Fire Chief Alvin Shomake and firefighter Andy Ward check
hose on trucks at the rural District 9 fire department.
Union Grove Fire Chief Alvin Shomake and firefighter Andy Ward check hose on trucks at the rural District 9 fire department.

For the first time in 35 years, most of the fire calls in McMinn County Fire District 9 will not be handled by the Union Grove Volunteer Fire Department.

At its meeting on Feb. 23, the McMinn County Commission voted unanimously in favor of the formation of a new fire company -- the North McMinn Fire and Rescue Department. J.W. McPhail, county commissioner for District 2, said the resolution, which is currently in Nashville awaiting approval by the state's Department of Commerce and Insurance, will officially recognize the new fire department and dissolve Union Grove.

According to McPhail, the decision to form a new fire department came after reports of longstanding problems with Union Grove, as well as a need to upgrade the department's equipment and capabilities.

"The status quo up there is not acceptable," McPhail said.

McPhail said complaints included reports that Union Grove wasn't taking proper care of the county-owned firetruck in its care, which McPhail claims was often left outside. Coupled with a recent arson at Union Grove Chief Alvin Shoemaker's antique-car repair garage in Niota, Tenn. -- where the fire truck was kept -- and the indictment of Union Grove's secretary/treasurer for embezzling $5,000, the county decided it was time for a fresh start.

"This is highly unusual for the county to step in and get involved," McPhail said. "We just want the best fire department that these people are entitled to up here."

McPhail said he and County Mayor John Gentry approached Shoemaker eight years ago with the complaints. He said Shoemaker told him he was unaware of any complaints, but would try to fix the problems. But, McPhail said, their suggestions went ignored.

Shoemaker, who established Union Grove with his father in the early 1980s, disputes the allegations. He said the firetruck received maintenance every week, and he remembers no such meeting with McPhail.

"He's dreaming," Shoemaker said. "He's never been up here. He doesn't even live in this district."

Despite Shoemaker's protests, the county took Union Grove's engine and brush truck away, moving them to a temporary location on County Road 285.

Until the new fire department is chartered, several area fire departments, including Union Grove, have been responding to calls. Shoemaker was offered the combination to the lock at the truck's new location, but he declined. He said he didn't want to be held responsible if anything happened to the truck.

Shoemaker and fellow Union Grove supporters didn't go down without a fight. They made a presentation at the Feb. 23 commission meeting raising concerns over the new fire department's location, which Shoemaker said has led to long response times. But, he said, the commission's decision had already been made.

"It was all cut and dry to start with," said Shoemaker. "They didn't listen to what we said."

Al Bobich, who is the training captain for North McMinn Fire and Rescue, said there's no animosity toward Union Grove on his end, and said Shoemaker deserves recognition or at least a plaque for his years of service to the community. Bobich said he has even encouraged Union Grove members to join the new department, and said some have expressed interest.

"We're trying to provide the community with an updated fire and rescue department," Bobich said. "Whatever the community wants, that's what we'll provide for them."

Once chartered, North McMinn Fire and Rescue will get the new $250,000 firetruck once promised to Union Grove as an upgrade.

As for Shoemaker, 72, he says his firefighting days are over. While it's not the way he would have chosen to go out, he said, his wife has wanted him to give it up for health reasons anyway, and he's satisfied with his efforts.

"I've done this for 35 years, and I think I've served the community well," Shoemaker said. "But I'll be glad when it's over. It's a burden off my back. I wish the new department luck, 'cause they're gonna need it."

Contact Will Healey at whealey@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6731.

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