Family and friends joined Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department firemen at the Civic Center on Saturday night, November 3, 2018 for their annual awards banquet.

Leading the group in prayer before the meal was Pastor Andrew Weitner of New Life Church.

Dinner, prepared by family members, included brisket, salad, beans, cornbread, jalapeno poppers, grape salad, cilantro-lime rice, deviled eggs, cake, and iced tea.

ACCEPTING A PLAQUE FOR Rookie of the Year is new firefighter Joe McCalman. Presenting the award is Fire Chief Matt Foree.

Following the meal, Fire Chief Matt Foree addressed the crowd and introduced department officers, Assistant Chief Mike Burns, Captain Chandler Baggerly, Lieutenant Avery Autlman, and Lieutenant Laney Newman.

“Usually, Asst. Chief Burns and I discuss who receives the awards,” explains Chief Foree. “This year we couldn’t quite agree on who should get Officer of the Year. So, I won and Officer of the Year goes to Asst. Chief Burns.”

Fireman of the Year was presented to Collin Blair, and Rookie of the Year to Joe McCalman.

Each was presented with a large plaque to commemorate his achievement.

“We have had 428 calls so far this year,” says Chief Foree. “Some of these calls have been pretty trying for our members.”

He goes on to tell the story of April 11, 2018, where two 18-wheeler trucks collided, of the trucks carrying hazardous materials. The driver of said truck was trapped in the cab and had to be cut from the vehicle.

Captain Baggerly, Lieutenant Newman, and Fireman Blair each dawned hazmat suits and got to work rescuing the driver.

“For the courage they showed that day, I would like to present each of them the Medal of Courage.”

Next, Chief Foree told of call to a house fire with entrapment that took place on September 18, 2018.

“Lieutenant Autlman pushed his way through extreme heat and fire in an attempt to save a life,” he explains. “Even though, unfortunately, we didn’t have the outcome we would have liked, I commend him on his courage that day and present him with the Medal of Courage.”

Assisting Chief Foree in presenting awards were Fairfield Councilmen Keith Daniels and James Tyus.