FORNEY, Texas — Several firefighters were recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty on Friday night at the Forney Fire Department’s annual awards and Christmas banquet.
FORNEY, Texas — Several firefighters were recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty on Friday night at the Forney Fire Department’s annual awards and Christmas banquet.
In addition to the recognition, two firefighters were named Firefighter of the Year — Brian Leathers was named the career Firefighter of the Year and Tommy Chapman was named the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year. The two were chosen and voted on by their peers.
Russell Bannister was presented a Fire Service Recognition Award. Bannister serves as one of the department's three drivers and as the captain of the Forney Fire Combat Challenge Team which placed 17th in the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge World Finals in Montgomery, Alabama, in October. Bannister was also recognized for his commitment to physical fitness for himself and his fellow firefighters.
Eight firefighters received a Fire Service Commendation award and pin for going above and beyond the call of duty during an incident involving an overturned propane tanker in June.
“With precise planning, quick execution, and smooth teamwork a potential explosion disaster was avoided and the event was brought under control with minimal injuries to the driver of the truck and no damage to surrounding property or homeowners,” Forney Fire Department Chief Rick Townsend stated on the award.
The Fire Service Commendation awards and pins were presented to Captain Phillip Pyle, Lieutenant Darren Yarborough, Fire Marshal John Holcomb, Tim Shipley, Conner Green, Ryan Elder, Josh Everett, and Bannister.
CareFlite presented eight firefighters a recognition letter for their actions at a major wreck on December 5, 2015, which involved an extended extrication of the driver of the vehicle.
“For going above and beyond the call of duty as a First Responder,” the letter, signed by CareFlite President and CEO James Swartz, stated. “For commitment to the highest level of emergency care in the field. For demonstrating professionalism and setting the standard for your peers in life threatening emergencies. For putting service to others above self and making our communities better places to live.”
The firefighters recognized by CareFlite were Charlie Buster, Jamie Barkham, Jason Jacobs, Green, Elder, Jeremy Latimer, and David Lawson.
