Parsonsburg Vol. Fire Co. remembers Chief Steve White

Black and purple ribbons adorned the exterior of the Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Company and their oldest fire truck at the station on Saturday in memory of fire chief Steve White.

According to former Parsonsburg Fire president Ryan Whittington, Chief White was like a father to him.

“Steve and Deb, as a whole to me, they both had believed in me more than anyone else. Stevens dedication and commitment to me as a person and individual is surpassing and can never be replaced.” Says Whittington.

White’s battle with melanoma ended on Thursday, when officials say he died peacefully at his home with family and friends.

The Parsonsburg native was first diagnosed in July. Deputy Fire Chief Eric Tyler was shortly named acting chief.

“It will take a team of people to fill Steve’s shoes, not only here in Parsonsburg once again, but his effect throughout the region….is incomparable to anything else I’ve ever seen.” Explains Tyler.

Whittington says White’s ripple effect is one of the reasons why the company has a new fire house to begin with.

As the longest serving Chief in Parsonsburg Fire’s history, we’re told Chief White played an instrumental role in raising funds for the 2.5 million dollar building which opened in 2010. It replaced the former station next door.

Chief White’s efforts included knocking on the many doors of community members to explain why funds and support were needed. Outside of the station, Whittington says Chief White lives on through the people he’s saved during his career plus the firefighters he’s trained.

“Look at where we’re standing today.” Says Whittington. “We now have a safe area to respond from…this building and Steve going to testify it before the house and senate.”

“As far as filling Stevie’s shoes…there’s no way any individual can do that, I don’t think. Steve was one of a kind.” Explains Tyler.

A viewing for Chief White will held on November 13 at the Parsonsburg Fire Department at 6 p.m.

His funeral will be held on November 14 at Emmanuel Wesleyan in Salisbury at 11 a.m.