BY JENN SAMSEL
Special to the Monitor
This year’s grand marshal for the Keystone Heights July 4th parade is Ed Bennett, a true pillar of the community. His remarkable journey includes involvement with numerous organizations, such as Clay Electric, Rotary, the Lions Club, and Bradford Hospital. He has also served as a Clay County board official and as Fire Chief for the Keystone Heights Volunteer Fire Department, which has since evolved into Clay County Fire Rescue. His commitment and passion for service have left an indelible mark on the community.
Bennett said, “I would say that the success of the volunteer fire department started with a group of men from DuPont. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t believe the Keystone Heights Volunteer Fire Department would have existed.”
“I’ve always wanted to be involved in the community and helping people, and I have loved every moment of it,” he added.
Bennett has witnessed the remarkable evolution of the fire department over the decades. His passion for firefighting led him to dedicate 15 years of his life to serving as a volunteer. During his tenure, he ascended to the esteemed position of fire chief, a role he held for five years. He managed a dedicated team of 15 volunteers. Through countless training sessions and emergency responses, he helped shape the department’s legacy, ensuring it was equipped to serve and protect the community effectively.
“It was important for me to get my basic and advanced first aid and to learn to use the rescue unit, what we had to know back in my days, whereas today it’s much more complex,” he said.
Bennett recalled the moment when the fire department welcomed its first ambulance. It marked a pivotal shift in their operations; with this new addition to their fleet, they began responding not only to fires but also to a growing number of rescue calls. This transition enabled them to respond to vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, and various community incidents, thereby expanding their role within the community.
“Be passionate about what you love to do. Although it was only a volunteer position, we participated in the fellowship, which provided an opportunity to serve and help others. You should always do what you believe is right and strive to do it to the best of your ability. When we see a need, step in to help, get involved, or save something—that is what truly matters,” he said.
Celebrating 73 years of marriage
It’s not every day that we come across a couple who has spent nearly their entire lives together, celebrating a remarkable 73 years of marriage this Fourth of July.
It was love at first sight when Iris and Ed Bennett crossed paths, igniting a spark that felt electric.
They met when she served lunch for the Rotary Club at Mitchell’s Restaurant, where a friend introduced them. Soon after, she moved to Alabama to finish high school and returned home a few years later.
“I looked her up through her dad and asked her out. We couldn’t afford much at the time, but it worked out for both of us,” Ed said.
After returning from the Army in 1952, Ed proposed to his girlfriend, and on the Fourth of July, they traveled to Georgia to get married.
Is there a secret to a successful marriage?
“Well, you have to be very forgiving, love each other, and care for each other. Money was never something we worried about, and timing has so much to do with it,” said Ed.
“If you really love somebody, you’ve got to have patience and understanding, talk things over, and if you maybe get a little bit upset, just go away and think about it a while. Don’t let something mess up the someone you love or something come between you, and pray about it,” said Iris.
