Recalling a comrade
Former Vale fire chief remembered for commitment to helping people

By LARRY MEYER
ARGUS OBSERVER
Monday, March 3, 2008 11:23 AM PST

A host of fire trucks and other emergency vehicles are parked behind the arch formed by two ladder trucks and a flag near Vale High School Saturday, which was the scene of a memorial service for former fire chief Ted Hesse.

VALE — Vale resident Ted Hesse was remembered Saturday as a man of faith, a family man and a man dedicated to helping other people during a memorial service in the Vale High School gymnasium. The service was attended by several hundred people from the Vale community and around the valley.

Hesse died Feb. 24 after a battle with cancer. Four ladder trucks from various departments formed arches as they flew American flags in front of the school.

Hesse worked for the Malheur County Sheriff’s office as a dispatcher and also served the Vale community as a member of Vale Fire and Ambulance Department from 2000 to this year, serving as fire chief. Because of his service to emergency services more than 150 firefighters, emergency medical personnel and law enforcement officers representing many communities across the valley attended the service to honor Hesse. There were representatives from the state, as well.

“He gave of himself,” Rev. Martin Frusti, chaplain, who conducted the service, said of Hesse. “However, (he) didn’t put hope in himself. He relied on the Lord.”

“(Hesse) had a steady hand,” Malheur County Sheriff Andy Bentz, who was the main speaker, said, adding Hesse got real satisfaction in being a able to help and serve people, getting the right services to them as a dispatcher. Describing Hesse as being like a bloodhound, Bentz said it was very difficult to faze him.

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Recounting how he had spent an hour with Hesse before his death, Bentz said Hesse had talked about the joy he had in his family and the joy he had in having an opportunity to serve in the community.

“Ted touched so many lives during his time,” Bentz said.

 Damian Acosta, Oregon State Police, said, as a dispatcher Hesse was concerned about him making stops alone at night and checked back on him.

“(Hesse took) care of all of his people,” Acosta said. “He was an angel on my shoulder. I always had a partner.

“He is watching over those he cares about,” Acosta said.

Following the speakers, there were military honors for Hesse, who served in the Army Reserve. The audience stood in silence while the flag was folded and presented to Hesse’s wife, Polly Hesse, who was also presented with her husband’s fire helmet. The “last alarm” was performed by the striking of bell, and a bagpiper playing “Amazing  Grace” closed the service.