The men and women who respond to fire and emergency calls from Silver Lake to Syracuse, Etna Green to Pierceton and everywhere in between were recognized Thursday night.
The Kosciusko County Fire Association held its annual banquet at the Home and Family Arts Building on the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds.Syracuse's Joe Anderson was awarded the 2008 Kosciusko Fireman Of The Year Award. Anderson has served for 38 years included time as chief.
The event's emcee Roger Gelbaugh said that Anderson lost his wife in 2007 and it was uncertain as to whether Anderson would continue.
"He chose to continue his duties and become more dedicated," said Gelbaugh.
Anderson thanked everyone at the banquet and said that his time has been "a wonderful gig."
Butch Warren of Mentone was awarded with the 2008 Distinguished Service Award. Warren has served with Mentone Fire Department since 1970 and served as chief of that department for 16 years.
Warren accepted the award for his father and other former firefighters.
"I appreciate all you guys," Warren said.
Warsaw Fire Department's Mike Cox talked to the association about a September 11 Memorial planned for the county's courthouse. Cox said the funding for the memorial would come solely from donations and they hoped to have it up by Sept. 2009.
A rendering of the memorial is available at the Warsaw Community Development Corporation. WCDC also is accepting donations for the memorial.
North Webster Fire Department recognized Tom Reiff for his lifetime of service. Reiff started in 1965, before becoming on regular rotation with the department in 1968.
"I have a lot of memories," said Reiff. "Some good times and some sad times but we all know how that is."
Leesburg's Craig Charlton, Doug Wood and Max Deatsman received 25-year pins, as did Winona Lake's Eugene Brown and Ed Ksiezopolski, Mentone's Brian Reed and Craig Warren and Claypool's Larry Neher.
Winona Lake's Robert Wulliman received a standing ovation when he received a 50-year pin.
Mentone recognized Eric Carlin for his efforts in the Jan. 8 accident near the Kosciusko/Fulton Counties border that claimed the lives of two children.
Leesburg's Bryan Marshall was recognized for helping rescue Shannon Richcreek from Tippecanoe Lake in February.
After a fish fry, a 50/50 drawing was held and cash prizes were given away.
