By Tammy Moore Teague
In May of this year, the White Bluff/Rye Hill Volunteer Fire Department began accepting donations to erect a flag pole and memorial to honor the life of their retired Chief, Charlie Mitchael. Mitchael passed away last December and those who knew him were well aware of the dedication he had to his department and to the community, which he served proudly for over 27 years.
The ground breaking took place in July. Members of the community donated and helped fund the project. The funding goal was $2,900, which included a commercial grade flag pole, dusk to dawn lighting, landscaping and a bronze or granite plaque in Mitchael’s memory.
The dedication ceremony will take place October 1 at 6:30 p.m., White Bluff-Rye Hill Fire Station located at 12407 White Bluff Road, Fort Smith.