GARFIELD — Firefighter/EMT Corey Cannon was named Firefighter of the Year for 2012 at the annual Northeast Benton County Volunteer Fire Department Firefighters appreciation luncheon Sunday, Dec. 9.
Cannon was selected by his peers at the Fire Department.
The annual luncheon for members of NEBCO Fire Department was held at the Community Room at NEBCO Station 1 with more than 65 firefighters, family members, board membersand guests on hand for the event.
Kara Funk, chairperson of the Board of Directors, opened the gathering with word of welcome to all those that had taken time out of their Sunday afternoon to be present, but more so for taking time out of their own lives tohelp when life-threatening events occur to others in the community. David Meyers lead the group in the invocation before lines formed at the buffet table. The food, prepared by Tina Stickney featured brisket, pulled pork BBQ , a selection of traditional side dishes and an assortment of deserts.
Fire Chief Rob Taylor noted the department had responded to 220 fire calls during 2012 and almost 500 EMS calls with department manpower and equipment.
Taylor presented a few of his goals for the department in 2013 with a main objective being the lowering of the current Class 5/7 fire insurance rating to a possible Class 4 for the entire NEBCO area.
“We are very close to being ready to call the ISO and have them come check us out for a lower rating,” he noted. “Just a few more details need attention before we can do that, maybe later in the year.”
Also recognized for his outstanding efforts in selling Turkey Shoot Raffle tickets was Wayne Launderville, leading the pack with over 3,000 tickets sold each year for the past several years.
Community, Pages 6 on 12/12/2012