PRESS RELEASE, 1-10-12
The Weaverville Fire Protection District hosted an Appreciation Dinner for Weaverville Volunteer Firefighters on Sunday January 8, 2012 at the La Grange restaurant. Firefighters were honored for the hundreds of hours they willingly donated through out the year protecting the Community of Weaverville.
Highlights of the evening included a video review of our busy year, longevity awards, Department awards and appreciation gift bags for each Firefighter. Judy Morris, Trinity County Board of Supervisors started our evening off thanking all the Volunteer Firefighters for their dedication and performance throughout the year. She related a personal story regarding a tragic accident near her home and how impressed she was with the professionalism of the firefighters that responded to this incident. Larry Helsley, Weaverville Fire Protection District Board Chairman also thanked the group for the many hours of service to the Community.
Ben Hendricks, Todd Corbett and Chris Prindiville were honored for 5 years of service with the Weaverville Fire Department. Keith Heryford was honored for 10 years of service. George Owen, Larry Helsley and Bill Britton were also honored for 10 years of service as Commissioners of the Weaverville Fire District. Each person was presented with a specially fabricated belt buckle with the beloved hand cart depicted on the front of the buckle.
Larry Brown was recognized for his 25 years of service with the Weaverville Fire Department. He was presented an engraved watch from the Firefighters and plague from the Department for his service since April of 1986. Larry was also presented with the “Firefighter of the Year” award for 2011. He was presented with an engraved Multi-tool Knife. Larry responded to 123 calls, attended 64 nights of training and covered night on call 54 times during the year. In addition he was responsible to ensure all fire hose was tested and Engine inventories were complete. “After 25 years of service and he still is actively involved in our Department is a great example for all to follow,” related Chief Alvord during the presentation.
Ernie Curran was honored as “Responder of the Year” for 2011. During the year Ernie responded to 205 calls, attended 77 nights of training and covered night on call 79 times. In addition to his work at Weaverville Fire Department he worked for the USFS during the fire season as a member of the Big Bar Engine Co.
Ted Pierce was honored as the “Probationary Firefighter of the Year” for 2011. During the past year Ted was very involved in all the community activities that the Fire Department attended. In addition he responded to 139 calls, attended 66 nights of training and covered 85 nights of on call.
Also honored was Fred Maddox for his assistance with our vehicle maintenance and for rebuilding the fire pump on the water tender. Dave Hammer was recognized for his assistance as our legal advisor. Dick Berrien, long time member of the Department, was honored for his work on restoring the 1917 American La France Fire Engine. Hal Goodyear had requested one more ride on this old Fire Engine that he helped deliver back in the 1930’s. Mr. Berrien took it upon himself to organize a group of folks to help with the restoration work. Each were awarded a new Fire Department T-shirt.
This annual event is just a small way of saying thank you to the men and women of the Fire Department for their dedicated service to the Community. If you are interested in joining this dedicated group please contact the Fire Department at 623-6156 for further information.
