5K honors fallen NB firefighters

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NEW BREMEN — Imagine a man in full fireman’s gear running — not walking — on a 3-mile race along the Miami-Erie Canal. Sure, he’s finishes behind many runners in the race, but he gets the loudest applause.

That will be the scene starting at 8 p.m. July 21 when the 5K run-walk launches the 96th annual New Bremen-German Township Firemen’s Picnic. The Friday night run, starting from the Crown Pavilion on West Plum Street will be followed Saturday from noon to midnight with food, games, live music and other events for children and grown-ups.

Firefighter Kenneth Krumm will be running in a fireman’s full ensemble, as will Larry Kellermeyer, who’s not affiliated with the fire department but will join in the tribute to New Bremen firefighters Kenneth Jutte and John Garman who both died in 2003 after they were caught in an explosion while fighting a silo fire in New Knoxville,.

“It’s spectacular to see Kenneth and Larry make the full distance,” said Lee Kuenning, assistant fire chief and chairman of the picnic. “But Kenneth’s pretty worthless the rest of the night,” Kuenning joked.

The volunteer firemen cook and serve the food, and the ladies’ auxiliary run the kids’ games. “For us (the department), it’s a family event through the whole day,” said Kuenning. The picnic began in 1922 as a social event for the town. The community does a lot for us, such as passing the fire levy, so it’s our chance to give back to those who support us.”

He said 1,000 to 1,500 people attend the picnic “on a good day.” Proceeds from drinks, food, games, auctions and raffles may reach $10,000. From those funds, the firemen award three $1,000 scholarships to graduating New Bremen High School students who will pursue public service careers.

The firefighters also benefit from the proceeds being used to purchase of safety and operating clothing and equipment for the department. Recent buys have included tough-but-flexible rescue gloves and generators to power high-power LED lamps for roadside or other emergency sites.

When it comes to putting on the picnic, however, “it’s not about the money,” Kuenning said. “It’s about providing a nice evening for the community. We keep food and drink prices reasonable, and we especially like the opportunity to interact with kids.”

Kids are a highlight of perhaps the most popular event, the water ball competition. Kuenning explained that a ball on a cable is placed between teams that aim fire hoses to drive the ball past their competitors.

The youngsters kick off Saturday’s festivities with registration starting at noon and the first face-off at 12:30 p.m. Fire Chief Dan Voress was a youthful waterfall champion in the late 1980s, but now he’s more suited for the adult team competition at 4 p.m.

Meanwhile, visitors are entertained by such attractions as a beer tent, games of chance and a lift-a-thon by the New Bremen High School football team. Also, the young kids can take part in games, jumps and ponies rides, all starting at 5:30.

All day long, chainsaw artists Tim Kuenning and his sons from New Bremen will demonstrate wood carving that will be auctioned at 7:30 p.m The food stand will start serving dinner fare by 4:30, and local acoustic musicians Adam Ranly and Rodney Suchland will perform 8:30 to midnight.

Fire Chief Voress commented, “It’s a long day for the guys, but it’s a worthwhile cause to benefit the whole year.”

Four firemen — three with more than 25 years’ service, have retired since the last picnic and will be honored Saturday. They are Dale Heitkamp, Mike Conradi, Rob Ziegenbusch and former chief Bob Kuck. Also, Ron Were will be honored three days before his retirement.

Pre-registration for the 5K run, before July 17 through the Speedy-Feet.com website, is $25 including a T-shirt or $15 without the shirt. Race day sign-up is $30 with the shirt or $20 without. Nathan Niekamp 419-305-0980, has further information.

New Bremen’s Firemen’s Picnic on July 21-22 will raise funds for scholarships and firefighting equipment. Lee Kuenning, assistant fire chief, displays tough-but-flexible rescue gloves and a high-power LED lamp to illuminate emergency sites, both of which were purchased with picnic proceeds.
http://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/07/web1_LeeKuenning.jpgNew Bremen’s Firemen’s Picnic on July 21-22 will raise funds for scholarships and firefighting equipment. Lee Kuenning, assistant fire chief, displays tough-but-flexible rescue gloves and a high-power LED lamp to illuminate emergency sites, both of which were purchased with picnic proceeds. Art Barnes | Sidney Daily News

By Art Barnes

For the Sidney Daily News

The writer is a regular contributor to the Sidney Daily News.

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