Around here, the name Owenby has become synonymous with fire fighting.During one period of time, seven Owenbys served in the Warrenton Fire Protection District. Today there are four.After the April elections, though, there will be one less Owenby making operational decisions in the district. That’s because Dolores Owenby, 78, is retiring from the board of directors after 30 years.“She has been the only board member who has continuously served since the beginning,” said her nephew, Mike Owenby, who joined the district as a volunteer at age 16 and now serves as its chief. “And you will not find a sweeter person in the world.”The “beginning” he mentioned actually starts with Marion Owenby and his brother Russell, who were among the first to serve on what is now the Warrenton Fire Protection District.Marion served on the rural fire board until his death and then his wife, Dolores, took his place. Around that time, voters created the Warrenton Fire Protection District.That was in April of 1988.“Back then it was a small department. They didn’t have as much training as they do now. It was all volunteer and they had one house and a few trucks,” Dolores recalled.Now things are different. The district covers 125 square miles and about 17,000 people. Firefighters, some on staff and some volunteer, respond to fires, vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents and many other calls.Today, too, firefighters participate in regular training sessions and educational classes throughout the year to remain current with the latest technology and to maintain their skill level.Dolores has been there helping guide the district through the changes and growth.“She’s been completely supportive of what we’ve needed,” said Mike Owenby. Through the decades, he added, “We went from a small department with a $65,000 budget to four stations and over a $1 million budget.”In addition to helping the district broaden its fire-fighting capabilities, Dolores also established the ladies auxiliary. The auxiliary raises money for community organizations but also helps families that need aid immediately after a fire.Dolores will continue her volunteer work with the ladies auxiliary, but her time on the board has reached its end.“There comes a time when the younger generation needs to come forward,” she said.Dolores said she will have plenty to do without being on the board, and most of it is with family. She has four adult children, 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. “It is so neat on holidays when we all get together. I am very blessed,” she said.The fire district has a five-person board of directors. Dolores Owenby was the first woman voted to the board, and only woman to serve on the board until two years ago, when Amy Ellard was elected.Two people are running in the April election to fill the seat Owenby will leave empty. Her advice to the candidate who will replace her?“Do your best. Do what you feel is right in you decision-making and work together,” she said.
After serving as a director on the Board for the Warrenton Fire Protection District for 30 years, Dolores Owenby is retiring. Submitted photo.
