Clif Knight

Hartselle Enquirer

Falkville’s 33 volunteer firefighters were recognized at an Awards Recognition Ceremony following a regular meeting of the town’s mayor and city council on January 5.

One of the agenda items council members approved unanimously was a proclamation setting aside Wed., Jan. 6, as “Falkville Volunteer Fire Department Appreciation Day.”

Each firefighter was recognized by name and asked to come forward to receive a certificate of appreciation and ribbons representing different levels of training and individual achievements.

A reception followed in council chambers, where firefighters and their families were served cake, punch and other finger foods.

Awards were presented by Fire Chief Chris Free, Steven Shelton, (retired chief), battalion chief recruiting and retention officer and Steve Parker, battalion chief administration officer.

Receiving awards were: department members Chris S. Free, Steven Shelton, Steve Parker, Wayne Young (battalion chief operations officer), Justin Luke Holt, Daniel Lockhart, Jordan Rouch, Mike Butler, James “JJ” Richason, Blake Robinson, William “Tre” Kennedy III. Danny Kelso, Jill Stidham, Amy Richason, Justin Powell, Shane Edge, Scottie Shedd, Jared Rowe, Brantley Wiley, Jeff Pike, Danny Tillman, Deborah Koerber, Nathan McCarley, Tyler Tucker, Caleb Vest, Corey Simpson, Heath Taylor. Brittany Knowles, Zack Free, Cheryl Parker, Allison Young and Britny Holt.

The ribbons awarded represent: Years of service, public fire life safety educator, fire investigator, rescue technician, emergency medical service, safety officer, FEMA emergency manager, National Fire Academy executive fire officer, fire and emergency service explorer, hazardous materials, firefighter, fire instructor, fire apparatus operations, public information officer, fire inspector, fire officer and industrial fire brigade.