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Metro Denver advisory board member admitted to Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service.
by Stephanie Gustafson –
Merrill Fie (c) holds certificate with Intermountain Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Raymond Peacock (r) and Commissioner Ken Hood (l). |
For Merrill Fie, 77, bell ringing is an annual tradition; he always looks forward to the one day during the Christmas season he gets to help. He started when he was 27 years old and he hasn’t missed a year yet.
“It’s just a real rewarding day that you look forward to,” Fie said. “And you kind of cross your fingers that the weather isn’t real bad.”
On Dec. 6, 2005, a wintry, snowy day in downtown Denver, Colorado, Fie and his family rang bells for The Salvation Army.
Before ringing, Intermountain Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Raymond Peacock presented Fie with an award for 50 years of service. On behalf of Mayor John Hickenlooper, Ron Catanny, Metro Denver Advisory Board chair, declared Dec. 6, 2005 as Merrill Fie Day in the city of Denver.
Fie’s two daughters and five grandchildren have now adopted the tradition and help him collect money. “Hopefully we’re teaching grandkids and another generation to share with others,” Fie said.
Fie, a Metro Denver Advisory Board member, has helped the Army raise thousands of dollars to assist those in need throughout Metro Denver.
A few days later, Fie was admitted to The Salvation Army’s Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service.
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