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About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 12, 2016)
Polk County News Polk County Itemizer-Observer • October 12, 2016 7A Chaplain: Pederson follows next adventure Continued from Page 1A He will be leading a small church in the town of Wind- sor — and moving closer to full-time granddad duty. “I’m going there because I think I’m called there, but also because my grandchil- dren are there,” Pederson said. “It’s nice that God is working that out.” He said that happened before — nearly 30 years ago when he was drawn to Dallas. At the time he was a pastor at a church in Kent, Wash. Through an intern- ship he found that he liked working in small, rural towns. Pederson felt com- pelled to find one in Ore- gon. “I didn’t know where, but just felt called to Oregon. I checked three churches,” he said. “I just drove to the three cities that had open- ings for Lutheran churches, and when I drove into Dal- las, something clicked. I knew this was where I was going to be.” Soon after moving here, he saw an opportunity to fulfill a long-held dream, but it came with a catch. That catch turned into yet another calling for Peder- son. “What happened with that was that I had a child- hood dream of being a fire- fighter and Dallas had a vol- unteer fire department,” he said. He drove to the station on a night they were train- ing and asked about join- ing. The volunteer ranks at that time were full at 70, but the chief made Peder- son a deal after learning he was the new pastor at Trin- ity. “He said, ‘well, we do need a chaplain,’” Peder- JOLENE GUZMAN/ Itemizer-Observer Dave Pederson has served as chaplain for Dallas Fire for more than 29 years. son recalled. His response: “I don’t real- ly want to be chaplain.” But the chief had some- thing on him. “He said, ‘I’ll tell you what. I will make you a deal: You be our chaplain and I will let you be a firefighter,’” Pederson said. He took the deal. “I was willing to do the chaplaincy, but I wanted to be a firefighter,” Pederson said. Until 10 years ago, he was a firefighter. He also be- came a medic. Pederson has been a chaplain, now one of five, the entire time. Chaplains are called upon in times of tragedy to pro- vide comfort and counsel- ing to victims and emer- gency personnel. Twenty-nine years later, Pederson said he learned early that filling the role is simple, but never easy. “You can’t change what happened, and you can’t make it better,” Pederson said. “Sometimes the only thing you have left is your pain and when someone comes along and tries to take that away, they are tak- ing away the last thing you have of that person and you get mad. What I learned early on is that you just needed to be there.” He also recognizes when delivering death notices to a family, how you convey the message matters. “I’m always keenly aware as I walk up with a police officer that we are, together, going to walk up and change these people’s lives forever. They will never be the same again,” he said. “That’s a heavy responsibili- ty, and what you say does matter. This is where it does matter that you are clear. They will remember every- thing.” Eriks Gabliks, the presi- dent of volunteer firefight- ers’ association, said Peder- son has served honorably in the position. “Dallas Fire & EMS has been fortunate to have Dave as both a firefighter (cap- tain) for a number of years, and public safety chaplain for 29 years,” he said. “He has been a humble volun- teer who has given thou- sands of hours to our organ- ization and the communi- ties we serve.” Pederson said that same community has given him a lot in return. His children, Andy and Keriann, graduated from Dallas High School. He has been involved in the school Three Reasons We Are Here... price, selection and our customers! 7 A n n i v e r s a r y ! t h S a t . O c t . 2 2 Customer Appreciation SAVE ALL DAY with Chamber: Metcalfe to focus on events Continued from Page 1A “Dallas is a special place that has a lot to offer to resi- dents, visitors and business- es,” Metcalfe said in a state- ment from the chamber. “I have been fortunate to have worked within all of these arenas for the past 12 years and find my passion within community events.” Brannigan praised Met- calfe’s leadership during her tenure, especially the cre- ation of the visitors center to continue to promote community events. The center is the host of Summerfest, Freedomfest, Winterfest, Sounds of Sum- mer and Polk County Boun- ty Market. “She has served the chamber and visitors center and the city of Dallas su- perbly over the last 12 years,” he said. “I firmly be- lieved the chamber would not have survived had Chelsea not been there.” Brannigan said the cham- ber has been reconsidering its role in the community for some time and wants to shift to a model seen in other communities. He said modern cham- bers of commerce have leaned more toward advoca- cy for business rather than hosting community events. He said the new director will be tasked with leading the chamber in that direc- tion, while the visitors cen- ter continues to focus on events. Brannigan said the new director will evaluate the mission of both organi- zations and may suggest re- structuring to best achieve those objectives. The process will include community input. “(The new director) will do an assessment process and make a recommenda- tion to the board about next steps,” Brannigan said. Metcalfe will help with the transition, introducing around town to the commu- nity once that person is on board. “This community has my heart, and I have enjoyed leading both organizations through good and tough times over the years,” she said. “I am excited to be able to focus my time and energy on events that bene- since, not only through his grilling abilities, but through volunteering on the district’s Citizen’s Oversight Commit- tee and with the Dallas Booster Club. Pederson also is one of the founding members of the Dallas Community Foundation. “If you are around long enough, they start using you,” Pederson joked. He said he will miss Dal- las. “There’s so many great people here and people that care for each other. It’s a great small community, something that you don’t get in a larger town,” Pederson said. “The people of this church have been awesome. I’m going to miss the fire de- partment, too. That’s been a neat part of my life.” As for burger grilling duty, Pederson said he’s found someone he deems capable of filling his shoes: fellow chaplain Ken Braun. “He’s been somewhat re- luctant, but he’s been guilted and shamed into doing it,” he said, laughing. 20% OFF fit our community and to continue relationships with key partners like the city of Dallas, Polk County and local businesses.” * STOREWIDE Our way of saying Thank You! Tons of Door Prizes!!! * 10 % Off New merchandise. Events 12-3 pm CARICATURE ! E E R F PORTRAITS by Georgiana Thomas 12-3 Free to customers. First come. First served. Custom Ring Making by local artist Kelsey Ensz 1 - 3 pm Pick from an assortment of vintage buttons & watch Kelsey work her magic creating your one-of-a-kind ring right in front of you. 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