By Jeffra Wise DeViney
Ward Six Fire Protection District One held their 2023 Awards Banquet on Saturday, Dec. 16, at First United Pentecostal Church’s T. D. Cardwell Center.
The banquet included firefighters’ family members who attended and enjoyed a meal and door prizes.
Top honor went to Eric Vigé who was recognized as Firefighter of the Year 2023. He was awarded a Certificate of Recognition by Fire Chief Todd Parker and also has the distinguished honor of retaining the traveling Ward 6 Fire Fighter of the Year Trophy.
Additionally, Captains Loy Bader and Gary Underwood presented Chief Todd Parker with a Certificate of Recognition as Officer of the Year.
Gary Underwood was appointed Assistant Fire Chief effective Jan. 1, 2024 and had a pinning ceremony with his family present.
Other awards presented were: Anthony “T. J.” Peshoff, Part-time Firefighter of the Year; Michael Clifton, 10 Year Service Award; Landon Kennon, Recruit of the Year; Mark Degenhardt, Most Training Meetings Attended; and Gary Underwood, Most Call Responses.
The following six individuals received recognition for Volunteer Support Community Service Award Certificates: Tad McDaniel, Anthony Kennon, Carol Kennon, Chris Dougay, Morgan Dougay and Janelle Dougay.
Chief Parker presented 26 Certificates of Appreciation to 911 Dispatchers who he mentioned did exemplary service during the wildfires. They were recognized at the ceremony, by mail or with in-person visits as their job kept them from attending the banquet.
