Life of Service
Block Number: 228“LIFE OF SERVICE” BLOCK #228 ON MCDOWELL QUILT TRAIL
On Wednesday, May 31, 2017, Terry and Vicki Deposter hosted the 228th block on the McDowell Quilt Trail. Of the many quilt blocks scattered throughout the county, each with its own story, this 2 X 3 foot block is entitled “Life of Service” for good reason.
Not only is Terry the Chief of the Hankins/North Fork Volunteer Fire Department this year, which was established eleven years ago in 2006 as a North Carolina certified incorporation, his wife Vicki is the secretary and their son Blake is a North Carolina State Highway Patrol Trooper. The block is a variation of one of the stripes on the American flag just below the stars square. It is seen more and more recently throughout McDowell County and the United States symbolizing joint recognition of our firefighters and law enforcement officers.
No matter where you live, countless men and women put their lives on the line each day to keep you and your family safe. The block “Life of Service” is in gratitude and honor of those firefighters and police agencies, who dedicate their lives to protect us all. It represents the “thin line of courage” of first responders in both the Red and Blue Lives Matter movement sweeping the country.
One of the white lines of the flag directly beneath the stars on Block #228 is replaced with a stripe half red and half blue. The red portion gives meaning to the firefighters who peril their own lives and perform their task with courage to protect others. The blue portion is in recognition of the law enforcement protectors of civilians in our community from criminal elements. Both colors are also in memory of those who while performing their job, have fallen in their line of duty. Although this block recognizes both the red and blue in one stripe, often variations are seen with one solid red or blue stripe replacing the white one entirely acknowledging one branch or the other.
Many Fire Departments hold various safety programs for elementary, middle and high school children to introduce them to the dangers of fire. They can become “Junior Fire Fighters” by learning the equipment and procedures used when faced with a fire and are encouraged to get involved in their community service.
The Depoysters say they have “loved the quilt blocks ever since seeing them” and are proud to now host their own, stating “it represents us as a family” both in firefighting and law enforcement. The block was installed by volunteer Mike Lucas and the framed Certificate of Authenticity was presented by Chairwoman Jill Lucas.
