Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
"If you are ever called to assist our department or just visiting our town, you will be able to spot him by his blue work uniform, his hat, the red rag hanging from his back pocket and the friendly smile that he wears," said his nomination letter.
Although Milford's Max Duncan was unable to attend the annual Kosciusko County Firemen's Association fish fry at the Home and Family Arts Building at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds Thursday night, he received a standing ovation from his peers after being named the 2005 Kosciusko County Fireman of the Year.
"If Max was here, I know he would be astonished he received this award," said emcee Roger Gelbaugh.
"If Max was able to come tonight, he would not believe this," said Milford Fire Chief Todd Haines, who accepted the award on Duncan's behalf. Duncan was unable to attend because he was in Indianapolis with his six-month-old grandson who had open heart surgery.
The letter nominating Duncan for the award described him as "caring, honest, knowledgeable and a great motivator" who joined the Milford Fire Department in 1968, two years after returning from his service in the Marines.
"During the past 37 years, he spent countless hours in training and training others," the letter said.
Duncan is a 37-year member of the fire department who spent 13 of those years as either chief or assistant chief. When money was tight at the station, Duncan donated his time and parts to fix things at the station and keep things running.
Also receiving an award was Atwood Fire Chief Mike Harmon, who was presented with the 2005 Service Award. A nearly 40-year member of the Atwood Fire Department, Harmon served in positions as a firefighter, captain, chief and member of the Kosciusko County Chief's Association.
For the sixth year in a row, the Mentone Fire Department won the attendance award. Mentone had the most members at county meetings throughout the year.
Several departments also handed out "Attaboy awards" for special members. This year's winners were: Rick Hatfield, Atwood; Danny Warner, Claypool; Ken Thompson, Warsaw; Rick Grossman and Jason Blocker, Silver Lake; and Chester Stump and Terry Eppley, Leesburg.
Robert Hurd from the Milford Fire Department received special recognition from the Indiana Volunteer Firemen's Association. Hurd received an IVFA Gold Card for lifetime membership for his 50 years of service with the Milford Fire Department.
