The Forney Fire Department held its inaugural Awards Ceremony on Saturday morning, June 22, 2013. Firefighters, family members, and their friends filled the court room at the Forney Justice Center to honor those that protect them every day.
The Forney Fire Department held its inaugural Awards Ceremony on Saturday morning, June 22, 2013. Firefighters, family members, and their friends filled the court room at the Forney Justice Center to honor those that protect them every day.
Forney Fire Department Chief Rick Townsend opened the ceremony by saying this was a way to honor those who work tirelessly to protect and serve the citizens of Forney.
Special awards were given to members of the Forney Fire Department who traveled to stand vigil alongside the bodies of fallen firefighters from the West, Texas, fertilizer plant explosion. State Senator Duell sent Chief Townsend Certificates of Excellence which were presented to Pat Dennehy, Matt Baker, John Holcomb, Rick Townsend, Jamie Barkham, Charles Buster, Jason Carter, Jesse Tamez, Tyler Sullivan, Bradley Lewis, Judson Swindle, and David Ray.
Life Saving Awards were presented to four firefighters who acted courageously to save another person's life or to aid someone in imminent danger. Recipients of those awards were Chad Baker, Dusty Polk, Connor Green, and Tiger Butler.
Years of Service Awards were presented to Emergency Medical Service members for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of service. 5-Year Service Awards were presented to Matt Barnes, Jason Carter, Kevin Dodd, Steve Chenault, Russell Bannister, Ryan Elder, Jeremy Latimer, Darren Yarborough, Matt Baker, Randy Cannaday, and Mark Elliot.
10-Year Service Awards were presented to Gary Anthony, Chad Baker, Kaci Byford, Brian Leathers, Bradley Lewis, Dusty Polk, Phillip Pyle, and David Ray. A 15-Year Service Award was presented to David Lawson.
20-Year Service Awards were presented to James Barkham, Robby Roland, Chuck Tedder, Jesse Wood, John Holcomb, and Roland Landis. A 25-Year Service Award was presented to Pat Dennehy and a 30-Year Service Award was presented to Darell Hall. Chief Townsend was presented with the longest service medal of 35 years.
Several firefighters were then ceremoniously pinned with badges. Recently promoted Captain Phillip Pyle was pinned with his Captain's Badge. Lieutanant Darren Yarborough was pinned with his Lieutenant's Badge. Firefighters Connor Green, Tiger Butler, Jeremy Latimer, Ronald Landis, and Judson Swindle were each pinned with their Firefighter's Badges.
Each firefighter was then presented with the Forney Fire Department's first-ever challenge coin. Challenge coins are used to symbolize membership in an organization, as awards for outstanding service, and as a morale building tool within organizations – typically military branches and fire organizations. Forney Mayor Darren Rozell and Council members Ray Stephens and Darrell Hobbs were each given challenge coins at the ceremony in honor of their continued support for the Fire Department.
Chief Townsend said the Fire Department plans to hold an awards ceremony annually and hopes it will help unify and build the family that is the Forney Fire Department.
Members of the Forney Fire Department were reminded of their duty to protect and serve every day as the ceremony ended. Several members of the fire department rushed to a three car accident on westbound US Highway 80 immediately following the ceremony.