Greenleaf Volunteer Fire Department

08/18/2026

After more than 57 years of dedicated service to the Greenleaf Volunteer Fire Department, Joe De Cleene has made a difficult personal decision to retire from active service and hang up his gear.

When he joined the department, emergency response operations looked very different than they do today. Some firefighters including Joe were alerted to a call through a fire phone connected to the station’s fire whistle (siren) that they activated to alert the rest of the crew of an emergency. Over nearly six decades of service, Joe witnessed remarkable advancements in firefighting technology, equipment, communications, and operations, while
remaining a constant and dependable presence within the department.

Throughout his distinguished career, Joe served in a variety of roles, including firefighter, Captain, and longtime coordinator of the department’s annual water fight tournaments held during the summer picnic. Whether facing blizzards, freezing rain, extreme heat, or summer humidity, Joe could always be counted on to answer the call. His dedication to serving others never wavered, even in his later years of service.

His commitment to the department and the community has been nothing short of exceptional. If a Fire Chief were asked to describe the ideal volunteer firefighter, that description would undoubtedly reflect the qualities Joe demonstrated every day such as dedication, reliability, selflessness, professionalism, and an unwavering desire to serve others.

On behalf of the Greenleaf Volunteer Fire Department and the community you have so faithfully protected, we extend our sincere gratitude for your remarkable years of service. Your leadership, passion, and steadfast commitment have left an enduring legacy and established a standard of excellence that will inspire generations of firefighters to come.

As you begin this new chapter, we wish you many years of happiness, health, and well-deserved relaxation. Enjoy the peace and quiet of uninterrupted family gatherings, restful nights of sleep, and the freedom from a pager sounding off at family events, during church services and meals, or in the middle of the night waking the entire household.

Congratulations Joe and thank you for an extraordinary 57+ years of service. Your dedication, sacrifice, and commitment have made a lasting impact on this department and community. You have truly left a lasting impression!

07/23/2026

The Fire Department is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Greenleaf Fireman’s Picnic raffles. Congratulations to the winners, and sincere thanks to everyone who participated in and supported this year's event. Your continued generosity and involvement are instrumental in helping us serve our community. We greatly appreciate your support and contribution to making this year's picnic another outstanding success.

07/19/2026

Last year’s rain-soaked event was jokingly referred to as "Aqua Fest" and our 2026 picnic was nearly dubbed "Smoky Humidity Fest" due to this summer's challenging weather conditions. Fortunately, with a little cooperation from Mother Nature, the day turned out to be beautiful and was enjoyed by all who attended.

Great music, outstanding food, refreshing beverages, children’s activities, and exceptional camaraderie contributed to the success of this year’s picnic. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the department, including the many community members who made donations, local businesses that sponsored the event, and the many volunteer workers who dedicated their time to ensure guests
were served promptly and efficiently.

Once again, the bicycle raffle and rock-climbing wall proved especially popular with the children.

While EAGLE IIIEAGLE IIIle to attend due to operational commitments, County ReCounty Rescuely brought an ambulance to the event. This provided attendees with a valuable opportunity to explore emergency medical equipment firsthand and learn more about the services and capabilities available within our community.

Finally, we would like to recognize and thank our department members whose countless hours of planning, preparation, and hard work made this annual fundraiser possible. Their dedication, commitment, and teamwork remain the foundation of this department.

On behalf of the members of the Greenleaf Volunteer Fire Department, thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 picnic a memorable and successful event.

Raffle winners will be posted later this week.

07/18/2026

Wet Possum is just setting up and are getting ready to start at 630pm so come on out and enjoy some live music!

07/18/2026

The 104th Annual Greenleaf Fireman’s Picnic begins today at 11:00 a.m. In addition to the UTV/ATV and cash raffles, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase chances for the items shown.

We sincerely appreciate your continued support of the Greenleaf Volunteer Fire Department and thank you for helping make this longstanding event a success. We wish all participants the very best of luck!

07/17/2026

07/17/2026

T’was the day before the picnic, and all through the park, Not a soul could be found, not even a lark.
The booyah kettles stood waiting in their jackets with care, In hopes that hungry crowds soon would be there.

The kettles sat silent, but not for too long,
For tomorrow they'd be bubbling loud and strong.
The aroma of booyah would drift through the air,
Drawing folks from near and far who'd followed it there.

Patrons were dreaming of burgers and brats,
While the thoughts of cheese curds and cold beverages consumed peoples chats.
The Chief checked the weather, then checked it once more, As firefighters set up tables by the truckload galore.

Co****le competitors would aim for a win,
While bucket brigade contestants brought a friendly grin. Volunteers will laugh as they served food with pride, While people in attendance will take it all in stride.

Kids will enjoy games and laughter all day,
While parents and friends joined in on the fun along the way. Entertainment would keep spirits light and bright, As music and smiles carried on through the night.

So come one, come all, and bring your friends too,
We've got food, fun, and fellowship waiting for you.
As we heard the Picnic Chair holler as he left for the night, "See you all at the picnic tomorrow, and bring your appetite!"

Picnic opens tomorrow at 11 AM.

Registration begins at 11 AM for the Co****le Tournament.
Play commences at 11:30 AM.

Bucket Brigade registration begins at 4 PM with play beginning at 4:30 PM.
$1,200 in prize money.

Games and a free rock-climbing wall for the kids from 1 PM to 5 PM.

If available, EAGLE III medical helicopter will be landing at 12:30 PM.

Live music by Wet Possum from 6:30 PM to 10 PM.

Free parking - free admission - no carry-ins

07/17/2026

07/16/2026