ROSCOMMON – It has been said that in the Army, soldiers are told “never to volunteer.” The premise being, you may get a “dirty or dangerous” assignment. When we volunteer, we don’t always consider the impact our service may have on others. Our actions may affect only a few…or thousands. The actions and commitment of four men, 43 years ago, have had a huge impact on Roscommon County and surrounding areas.
In spring 1980, the Michigan State Firefighters Association (MSFA) contacted Jim Stender, then President of the Roscommon County Firemen’s Association (RCFA), and asked if Roscommon firefighters could put something together following the dedication event of the new Firemen’s Memorial statue, as entertainment for attendees. Stender approached the county fire chief’s association for ideas. A committee of 22 men, including firefighters, DNR and businessmen from around the county volunteered. They planned and organized a party to be held in the large hanger at the DNR airport. Under the guidance of Bruce Lorion, in 1981 that committee again organized entertainment.
When approached in 1982, RCFA members felt this was too much for them to continue, it had become a larger endeavor than anticipated. Lorion, then, a 24-year veteran and officer of the Gerrish Township Fire Department, said “I’ll do it”. Lorion, Stender, Roy Milnes, and Larry Schmidt formed the Michigan Firemen’s Memorial Festival Committee (MFMFC) that year. Lorion said he could see “value” for the county and community, in continuing of the “Festival.”
These men, their wives and extended families worked tirelessly to build an organization, enticed fire vendors and firefighters to attend, improved the festival grounds, and much more. Carol Stender served for many years as treasurer of the organization, JoAnn Tyler-Milnes as chair of side committees, and Jan Lorion as secretary. Their son Charlie was active on the Gerrish Fire Department and MFMFC until his passing.
Originally from Detroit, Lorion’s family moved to Roscommon when he was about 12 years old. His grandmother lived here and one of his brothers had moved up with her. Lorion’s brother worked as an electrician in the area, recognized a need for a good plumber, and suggested the family move up too since his dad was a plumber. As a youth, Lorion would help his brother and dad. While in high school, he worked at the state park renting paddle boards, painting and patching boats for fifty cents an hour. He also worked for Bertl’s Chevrolet and Fuelgas in his early married years.
High school sweethearts, Lorion and wife Janette will be married 65 years Oct. 26. They had two children, Debbie Donnelly and the late Charlie Lorion. In addition, they are very proud of their grand and great grandchildren.
Bruce and Jan have been hampered in recent years by health issues however, at 85, he is still considered an active part of the festival committee.
Lorion’s dedication and sense of community service has not been limited to MFMFC. Though never having served in the armed forces, he has been an active member of the VFW #4159. His dad served in Korea and was a member at the post. For much of his adult years, he worked for Camp Grayling, retiring from there 26 years ago.
MFMFC however, did become a major focus in his life. At one time, it was noted that “the Firemen’s Memorial obviously had a very special place in his heart, as he spent nine months out of the year, devoting his time and effort into making the weekend run smoothly.”
Beginning with the first organized festival, Lorion served for twenty-five years as President of the MFMFC. The event eventually outgrew the DNR airport property and moved to the county fairgrounds.
As attendance numbers grew, a need for a larger facility became reality. 1991 the building which became known as the Big Red Barn was completed. The meeting room and classroom were added later. Over the years the electrical, plumbing and speaker systems had many upgrades. When questions of who to contact or how to do a job came up, the committee referred to Bruce.
Eventually, the Roscommon County Fair disbanded and the fairgrounds property was being returned to the county. Lorion asked the county for a fifty-year lease to the MFMFC at $100 per year. Roscommon County Commissioners agreed, and the grounds became known as the Roscommon County Fire Training Grounds. A year later county commissioners changed that agreement to a 100-year lease with no fees.
MFMFC, under the guidance of Lorion and board members, has been able to give much to Roscommon and surrounding communities. We may never know the lives touched by his volunteerism, but it should be safe to say, in the case of Bruce Lorion, they number in the thousands.
