Steptoe Chief Mitchell memorial complete

Celebrants at this weekend’s Steptoe Community Picnic will have a new seat to enjoy their lunch on as the Steptoe Fire Department constructed a memorial park for former Fire Chief David Mitchell.

Mitchell was the last living founding member of the town’s volunteer fire district, serving more than 50 years with the department. He joined the brigade as a teenager and later served as Fire Chief. He was a commissioner for the fire district when he died at age 72 in December 2010.

The Steptoe Fire Department raised funding for a memorial stone to mark his long-time service and volunteers laid a concrete pad in the grass lot beside the fire hall and put in a metal bench.

Mitchell ran his family’s garage which was on the old state highway through Steptoe and added radiator repair to the shop business. His wife, Mary Ann, still lives at the family’s home in Steptoe.

The community picnic will be Saturday, beginning at noon. Fire volunteers will serve up grilled burgers, hot dogs and drinks. Youngsters can try for special prizes by spinning a special “Wheel-of-Fortune” style prize wheel. Those who attend are asked to bring a salad or dessert to share.