What a blessing I received today as I was able to visit with Ms. Delora Guthke, the widow of longtime Charleston Fire Chief Wilmot Guthke. I have known her since I was a teenager and both she and Chief Guthke gave me much guidance and support over the years as I grew into adulthood in the Fire Service. I visited her today to specifically gather information about Chief Guthke for a special project being done by Carter Jones on all past presidents of the South Carolina State Firefighters Association.
I quickly found out that after all these years, Ms. Guthke maintains that gleam in her eye as she speaks of her husband. Listening to her today as she took me back in time to when I was a young firefighter was just a wonderful experience. At 97 years of age, she continues to live in the home she shared with the Chief and continues to drive her own vehicle but, “mostly just to get her hair done on Friday mornings”. She is, without doubt, still the matriarch of the Charleston Fire Department.
We sat for a long time, enjoyed reminiscing and sharing chocolates from a box of Whitman’s Sampler. And, as I prepared to leave, she insisted that a take a Coke, some Goldfish crackers, and a Nutty Buddy bar just in case I got hungry on the road. Still looking out for others after all these years. We love you Ms. Guthke!
Gerald