Evelyn Brown

By KIM SCHMIDT
Hub Staff Writer

KEARNEY - Much of Evelyn Brown's life centers around "her boys."

Although she doesn't have any children, Brown considers the 73 members of the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department her family, tending to their needs at fire scenes with coffee, donuts, water or sandwiches.

"She's been doing this since Noah brought the ark across," said Charlie Wing, a retired firefighter. "She's out there (fire scenes) until her boys come home."

For her dedication and loyalty to firefighters Brown, 81, has been awarded the 2003 Freedom Award for service organizations. Brown will receive her award at a banquet Thursday in Kearney.

Since the 1930s the Kearney Salvation Army has been providing services to the fire department, and Brown has been a big part of that for more than 20 years. Moving to Kearney when she was just 10, Brown has either volunteered or worked for the Salvation Army in the soup kitchen, delivering meals to shut-ins or raising funds.

"I've worn out two or three cars for the Salvation Army," she said.

Brown also responds to emergencies in a nine-county area.

Wearing a pager on her waistband and with a police scanner at home, she rarely misses a fire call.

"I'm on call 24/7," she said. "I answer all calls, except vehicle fires, and I only go to grass fires depending on the urgency."

After a call comes in, Brown rushes to the scene, assesses how much food or drink is needed and how long a fire may last. Her 1991 Lumina Chevrolet van is as much of an icon at fire scenes as the fire trucks, stocked with water, Gatorade, cups and toys for children who have lost all their belongings to a fire or tornado.

"You just never know until you get there what you're facing," she said. "A lot of the fellas just want water."

At bigger scenes, Brown brings the Salvation Army's canteen.

Brown was nominated for the award by Elinor Hardin of Kearney, who said it will be hard to replace Brown when she retires.

"When it is hot she is there with cold drinks, when it is cold, hot drinks, if it goes on for hours, some food … . When the call comes in, she goes off to serve, be it in Buffalo County or the surrounding area."

Retired firefighter Bill Shafer said Brown's award is appropriate and overdue for someone who was always "Johnny-on-the-spot" when he was on the department from 1977 to 1992.

"She is a fantastic woman. All the time I was on the fire department, every fire, she was there. She had rolls, coffee, sandwiches. She took care of us," he said. "She's done more than anyone could ever expect."

Over the years, firefighters have shown their appreciation to Brown by giving her winter boots and gear to wear at scenes and making her an honorary member of the department.

Humbly, Brown says she's just doing what comes naturally and credited her mother for raising her to help others.

"I suppose it was a calling from the Lord," she said. "I wouldn't know what to do if I didn't have it. It's my life and somebody has to do it."

And as long as her health allows her, Brown plans to keep tending to firefighters and responding to emergencies.

"Just as long as I can toddle," she said.

e-mail to:
kim.schmidt@kearneyhub.com