The Walworthians: Leasure, Jack
The Walworthians: Leasure, Jack
A collection of telephone interviews published in the Wayne County STAR Newspaper and Wayne County MAIL Newspaper, 1994-209
by Kate Chamberlin
Jack Leasure
April 03, 1996
Allen (Jack) Leasure is one of the people in our neighborhood. He has been named the 1995 Fireman of the Year.
The award came as no surprise to those of us who know Jack.
He, however, was surprised. He sees what he does as just doing what needs to be done.
Jack and his wife, Elaine, lived in Ontario before moving to Walworth in 1972. They had talked about building a home somewhere between Elaine’s teaching position in the Freewill Elementary School and His teaching position in the Pal-Mac District. A new home on Orchard Street was very close to the home they’d had in mind. They’ve been here ever since.
Their daughter, Sue, was raised here and attended Wayne Central. She is a Math teacher now in a neighboring district and married to Ken Schaumberg, the Freewill Physical Education teacher. Actually, last year when Jack turned the big (smudge, smudge) ,he didn’t even notice it. He was too busy being a proud, new grandpa to Traci.
Jack was active in Tiger Scouts with their son, Tim, the first year it began. This naturally led into Cub Scouts.
When my Cub Scout Den wanted to work on a Science Arrow, Jack invited us to his home. They had all sorts of levers, pulleys, electric circuits and hands-on activities.
Jack makes learning fun. It is what makes him such a terrific teacher at Pal-Mac!
When Tim was killed in a car crash during his Junior year at Wayne Central, there was a tremendous out-pouring of love and support by all Jack’s co-workers, friends and neighbors.
Shortly after moving onto Orchard Street, Jack’s neighbor, Larry Laforce encouraged him to become a Volunteer Fireman. Another neighbor, John Baxter, was also on the force and coaxed him to visit the newly built Fire Station.
After a year of being a fire fighter, Jack began helping out on the ambulance. He found his real nitch as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician).
Jack has been the Ambulance Chairman, Assistant Secretary, and worked on numerous auctions, Bar-B-ques and many other fund raisers for the department.
His dedication to serving his neighbors is evident in the way he keeps his skills and knowledge current and trains new members.
A year ago, he was coming home when he saw the ambulance come up our street. He was not on duty, but knew a neighbor was in need. He followed the ambulance.
I’m so glad he did. The ambulance came to my home. His quiet reassurance made a scary event less traumatic for my family and me.
Jack said he is pleased with the progress the Department has made during the years he’s been with it. The rescue equipment, advance life support systems and the technicians to provide services are the best.
“I’m happy to see new members coming in,” Jack said. “They learn fast and can take leadership roles on the force.”
Although Jack is qualified to drive the Department’s fire engines, medical rescue truck and the Cadillac Ambulances, he likes to leave the driving to the younger men.
Jack’s wish for Walworth is to have it stay as nice as it is. A community where neighbors help each other.
Thank you, Jack, you are a Walworthian with the accent on worth.