By Betsy Finklea
Several awards were presented and recognitions given at the Oak Grove (Station Nine) Fire Department Christmas Party which was held on December 6th at Shuler’s Bar-B-Que.
Chief Larry Cox said they lost three former members during 2014—Johnny Hatchell, Rev. Billy Dotson, and Rocky Roberts, a former junior firefighter. A moment of silent prayer was held in their memory.
In 2014, the Station Nine Fire Department responded to 313 total calls—117 fire calls and 196 EMS/First Responder calls.
Certificates of appreciation were presented to Jason Jackson, who helped test hose; Carolyn Hartley; and Jamie Gaddy, who helped test hose.
Chief’s Awards were presented to Terry Weichel, who Cox called his right hand; Nick Rogers, a promising young firefighter; Larry Lane; Shawn Jones; Chip Rogers; Randy Cook, who helped get the new truck into service; and James Tarte, a member of the Neighborhood Watch, who helped the department obtain a AED. All were thanked for their help and assistance throughout the year.
Pins for service were presented. Larry Lane and Nathan Settlemyre received five year pins. Nick Rogers and Josh Jackson received one year pins.
The Guardian Angel Award was presented to Councilman T.F. “Buzzy” Finklea, Jr. Cox said that Finklea helped make it a good year at the department. Finklea, along with county council, assisted the department in getting a 2007 International with a 2000 gallon tank and a 350 gpm pump.
The First Responder of the Year award was presented to Larry Lane.
The Firefighter of the Year award was presented to recipients this year–Bill Brandt and Chip Rogers.
The First Responder of the Year and the Firefighters of the Year were called the “best of the best.”
Chief Larry Cox was recognized by Firefighter Terry Weichel for all he does for the department and the community.
Cox said they had the best department. The firefighters do not mind training. He said while they may not be the biggest department, they are a “shining star in Dillon County.”
