Community has lost a leader

The community has lost Mike Andrews.

To truly understand how important he has been to our town you have but to look at the faces of our local firefighters this week and the others who have worked with "Mike" the past four decades.

He has faced hurdles in his life, but took them in a calm stride. As fire chief, he was a man firefighters and others trusted not to rattle when situations were tough and life threatening.

When the community faced a series of arsons a few years ago, the part-time chief spent hours and hours working with law enforcement and the fire marshals on the cases.

Andrews also worked well with media like The Clyde Enterprise sharing reports about the arsons and fires that affected people in his district. He also made every effort to point out the firefighters who deserved credit for the department's accomplishments and programs.

The fire department was his passion as was his family. The only thing that caused him to smile as much as the city new fire rescue truck was talking about his little girl who was growing up.

The fire chief had his battles too such when he asked city council to make the chief's position full-time. Although the council did not approve his recommendation and he caught flack, Andrews continued to do his job steadfastly. No doubt that with his deep, hearty laugh and quick serious side, Mike Andrews will be missed by his men and the community.