Blackwell Fire dedicates rescue boat to Larimore

by Charles Gerian

It was an emotional morning at the Blackwell Church of Christ on Sunday when members of the Blackwell Fire Department dedicated a new water-rescue boat to the memory of Larry Larimore, a Blackwell man who died in a severe flood this summer.

The church called Sunday “Friend’s Day,” and the title of Pastor Lanny Jobe’s sermon was “Friends for Troubled Waters.”

“We've seen our share of troubled waters this year in Blackwell, both literally and spiritually,” Jobe said to the packed house of attendees. “Larry was a member of our church family, and we miss him every day. It didn't feel the same without him at last week's Trunk-or-Treat handing out candy and interrupting me 20 times,” he joked. 

Jobe's sermon consisted of several stories of “troubled waters” — both literal and figurative ones — and discussed how important family and friends are during rough times. One such time was the passing of Larimore, who was heavily involved with the Church of Christ, Jobe said.

His family members, also heavily involved with the church, were in attendance Sunday.

Following the sermon, the crowd walked outside to see the boat. The words “In Memory of Larry Larimore” are written on the trailer used to carry the boat.

Jobe blessed the boat, and Blackwell Fire Chief Cory Hanebrink thanked a local company for donating funds to purchase it.

“We would like to thank Phillips 66 for helping us purchase this boat,” an emotional Hanebrink said through tears. “This is made for rapid waters, like the ones this summer, and can hold up to four victims. It is such an honor to have Mr. Larimore's family here, and to have his name on this craft.” 

After several bouts of severe flooding this summer, Hanebrink made an emotional plea to the Blackwell City Council. He declared the need for a rescue boat to prevent tragedies in the future.