SOUTH OTSELIC – Things have certainly changed since longtime volunteer firefighter Hugh Comfort first put on his gear at the South Otselic Fire Department in 1964.

Fire department rules and regulations have been revamped, and the number of volunteers who work outside the community has resulted in less turnout to each call, he said. Departments like South Otselic that were once largely self-reliant now depend more on mutual aid from other departments in surrounding communities.

But if there's one thing that's a constant, said Comfort, it's the oath he took to protect lives and property and help those in need.

Comfort was recently recognized by the Town of Otselic for his 50 years of service with the South Otselic Fire Department. His lasting dedication has been a staple for the 55 department volunteers and gives the community hope that although volunteers are hard to come by nowadays, there are still some good ones left.

“I moved here 51 years ago and wanted to do something in the community, so I joined the fire department and I became quite involved,” said Comfort. “I use to attend a lot more emergency calls in my younger days, but even today I try to stay involved where I can.”

During his tenure with the department, Comfort estimates he has responded to emergency calls averaging more than 30 per year. With the support of his wife Mary, Comfort has worked his way up department ranks, serving as a firefighter, fire chief, and chair of the fire commission. His commitment to community eventually earned him the role of Town Justice and his current standing on the Otselic Town Council.