Local fire department and rescue squad volunteers were honored during the annual fire and rescue banquet on Saturday, April 26.
Peal is flanked by Andrew Overby (left) and Stever Marshall (right).
Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Andrew Overby, of the Dan River District, said the volunteers are true heroes in Patrick County.
“You give your time away from your families and you do it selflessly, you put your own lives in danger every single day to help your neighbors and fellow citizens in their time of need. That type of commitment and courage is something that can never be overstated,” he said.
Public safety is one of the most vital services any county can provide, Overby said, noting that in Patrick County part of those services are provided by volunteers.
“People like you who have dedicated their lives to helping others, not for a paycheck but because it’s the right thing to do. You do it because your hearts are in it because you care. As I know for many of you the reward isn’t material, it’s the quiet satisfaction of knowing that you’ve made a difference, that you were there when someone needed you the most,” he said.
Without the unwavering dedication of the volunteers, Overby said he believes the county and community would be “in a world of hurt.”
Steve Marshall, of the Blue Ridge District, echoed Overby’s sentiments, adding that he appreciated the volunteers and what they do for the county.
At the banquet, Will Vernon was named Firefighter of the Year, and Steve Peal was named Fire Department Officer of the Year.
John Krafinshi was recognized as EMS Pre-Hospital Provider of the Year, Diana Foley was named EMS Officer of the Year, and Stuart Scott was honored as First Responder of the Year.
Fire and rescue volunteers also received pins in recognition of their years of service:
Three-year pins: Josua Payne, Jimmy Willard, Scotty Bobbitt, Carl Smith, Joni Martin, Derrick Lambert, Amy Brady, Dillion Brady, Ed Evans, Joel Fain, Anna Wray, Michaela Wood, and Sonora Wood.
Five-year pins: Ashley Coalson, Michael Jareke, Joel Young, Justin Lewis, Jane Fulk, Seth Bryant, Preston Hall, Toby Hooker, Shana Baliles, Joel Young, and Wesley Hudson.
10-year pins: Brian Burks, Johanna Burks, Ryan Burks, Roger Gammons, Hunter Odum, Cory Bryant, Tommy Howell, Austin Bryant, and John Franklin.
15-year pins: Tim Blessman, Howard Alderman, Robert Cowdrey, Karen Cowdrey, Brittany Bowman, Miranda Tate, Brandon Tate, David Goode, Dreamer Williams, Francis Smart, Janice Woods, Jamie Hopkins, Jackie Turner, and Sadie Dunford.
20-year pins: Tara Bowman, Judy Bryant, Chris Hooker, Jonathan Scott, Ed Hartman Jr., and Susanne Errichetti.
25-year pins: Ryan Lawson, Ronald Terry, Josh Cobler, Lucy Blevins, Darrell Sowers, and Melissa Sowers.
30-year pins: Deborah Bowman, Brad Lawless, Toni Cobler, Ed Hartman Sr., and Sherry Hartman.
35-year pins: Jamie Hopkins and Scottie Cassell.
40-year pins: Jason Brown, Eddie Harbour, Druie Martin, and Christine Elgin.
45-year pins: Edd Lawson, Clyde Thomas, Sparks Thomas, Joe Cobler, Norman Grogan, Danald Hutchens, Judy Knight, and Trecia Martin.
50-year pins: Rodney Howell, Vernon Nelson, and Dee West.
