CHRISTOPHER — In 1960, young Charles Lutes started as a volunteer firefighter with the Christopher fire department. Today, if you referred to him as “Charles,” no one would know who you’re talking about. He’s been known as “Peanuts” for as long as most have known him, and around this community. As a lifelong citizen, he is known by everyone.
He has served his community as a firefighter for 59 years. That sounds like a long time until you realize that he was married to his wife, Loretta, for 65 years. Peanuts lost Loretta last May 3 after a long illness and life has changed somewhat. But it is clear that the theme of dedication is one that guides the man, both in his marriage and his service.
For 30 of those department years this June, Peanuts has served as Chief. His working career was as a truck driver, with 20 years for Bione Trucking in Christopher and 23 years with Centralia Cartage and the various names the company had as new entities absorbed it. He stayed as a local driver, rather than over the road. He wanted to be home to take care of his responsibilities, which were many.
It was at Bione’s that he got his nickname. Angelo couldn’t always remember his name and called him “Peewee.” Another co-worker forgot that and just called him Peanuts and it stuck.
His other job was community service and if he committed to his driving duties as well as he did to his service to his town, it’s no wonder he had such a long and respected working career.
Besides serving as fire chief since being appointed in 1986, Peanuts served as an auxiliary police officer, civil defense member, and active Christopher Jaycees member. As Jaycee President, he won the prestigious Spoke Award for service from the regional Jaycee organization.
Peanuts has always been an integral part of his home town, helping out with a myriad of events and activities. However, the interest and mission that has the center of his service is in fire fighting and helping the Christopher Fire Department continue to improve and provide reliable and steady protection to its city and surrounding communities.
Peanuts says that in those early years, they were less equipped to fight a fire. Men went in and fought for as long as they could and then handed the hose off to the next guy. They had two respirators at first when they became available. They have 17 now. The change in equipment and knowledge that Lutes has seen and facilitated over the years has been amazing.
Lutes has had a great time as a firefighter and chief. He has also enjoyed learning through regular training available in sessions and organizational conventions. Christopher has long been a member of the Southern Illinois Coal Belt Fire Protective Association and treasures his associations with that organization.
He said that he believes the department runs smoothly and he has truly enjoyed working with and helping train the men in his department. The support he has received from the council and mayors with whom he has worked has generally been great. He has always appreciated the support the department receives from the community as well.
Peanuts said the worst thing about being chief is the feeling you have when you send firefighters into the fire. They haven’t lost personnel, but there have been injuries. It is also a terrible moment when citizens are lost. Lutes said that is always heart-breaking for all concerned.
Folks who know Peanuts have high praise for the man. Long-time firefighter and former assistant chief, Rex English, said, “Peanuts was easy to get along with and respected in the Coal Belt Association. He is extremely knowledgeable. He’s seen a lot and has kept the fire department in good shape.” Rex said Lutes kept a good relationship with the mayors and council and directed his men while listening to advice. “We all worked well together and had a good approach – he was a team player type.”
The good news is that the knowledge Peanuts brings to the job of fire fighting isn’t going away, though he offered his resignation at the February meeting of the Christopher City Council. Peanuts has stated his intention to stay around and offer his knowledge to help the department and firefighters. If he’s on a fire scene, he won’t be jumping in and breaking things open to create an air flow – physical limitations have determined that.
Christopher Mayor Gary Bartolotti put it well about Lutes’ resignation. “It’s a sad day and he will be missed as chief. His knowledge is second to none. In my eyes, Peanuts will always be chief of the Christopher Fire Department.”
