Albert Schmitt

Albert is an icon of the Fire Company. He started out in the Marching Club until it was disbanded in 1950. Albert was elected our Treasurer that year and has been ever since. His activities as Treasurer are many and varied. Albert attends company meetings and pays bills as instructed by the organization. He also receives the income and invests our resources, in the best interest of the organization. Albert counts the Bar-B-Que money, the soda money, the bingo money, and every other dime that comes into the company. He has played an important role in the planning of our activities. He was a part of the Long-Range Planning Committee, appointed in 1994. Albert was valuable in planning our spending and acquiring sources of funding for major acquisitions. He was instrumental in preparing an application for a low-interest loan for the rescue unit in 1996. He did the same in 1977 for our Ford-Hammerly rescue unit. Albert assisted in preparing similar applications for low-interest loans for the building addition constructed in 1996, and the American LaFrance fire engine purchased in 2002. Albert has also completed a lengthy application, the federal 501C3 form, so that the Company can accept charitable donations. Albert also provides regular direction for the membership. His energy and team-member attitude are to be emulated. Albert is always willing to lend a hand, to assist with bingo tickets, help at all the Bar-B-Ques, or anything needed. He mentors the membership about financial planning. In addidtion to his responsibilities as treasurer, Albert also serves as the Columbia Fireman's Relief Treasurer. In addition to caring for the Relief money, he participates in state audits of the Relief Association.