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Station Named For 'Uncle Pete'

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By B.C. MANION

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 28, 2008

LUTZ - It may be known formally as Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Station No. 24, but for Lutz residents, it's now "Uncle Pete's" fire station, too.

Hillsborough County officials on Monday dedicated the station at 129 Lutz-Lake Fern Road in Leslie H. "Uncle Pete" Dennison's honor.

It is a significant distinction, said Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Chief Bill Nesmith. Only six of the county's 44 fire stations are dedicated in someone's honor.
Dennison was 78 when he died Jan. 24. He had served 27 years in the Lutz Volunteer Fire Association, rising from firefighter to assistant chief to chief, and then serving on its board, as a member, treasurer, vice president and president.

More than 100 people turned out to the ceremony, including politicians, county dignitaries, firefighters, paramedics, community leaders, family members and friends.

"We cherish what he's done for our community," Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe told the crowd. "Great communities are made by great people, people who are willing to commit themselves to others, who are willing to serve, who are willing to step up during dangerous and hard times."

Jay Muffly, president of the Lutz Volunteer Fire Association, was thrilled by the turn-out.

"This place is almost as full as the Fourth of July barbecue," he said.
Dennison is worthy of recognition, Muffly said. "He not only dedicated himself to public service, but he was able to inspire others to rise to that level, also. Many veteran firefighters are working today because of him."

"Uncle Pete didn't believe in borders," said Albert Dennison, battalion chief for Pasco County Fire Rescue, and a distant relative of Dennison's.

He recalled the first time he met "Uncle Pete."

The Pasco firefighter was responding to a brush fire that was threatening some homes on the Odessa/Lutz border, he said.

When he got there, "Uncle Pete" directed him where to go, helped him get his fire hose going, and then left to get some more trucks - from the Lutz fire station.

"He didn't believe in communities not helping communities," Albert Dennison said.

Reporter B.C. Manion can be reached at (813) 865-1507 or bmanion@tampatrib.com.

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