Canfield honored as Firefighter of the Year

GARFIELD -- Wade Canfield practically wore out the soles of his boots while working out for his firefighter training.

Canfield was named NEBCO Firefighter of the Year Sunday afternoon. The vote, which came from his peers, recognized his hard work as a top-notch volunteer firefighter.

As part of his training for achieving Firefighter I and II training certifications, Canfield would put on his full gear, and run up and down a hill to train, said Fire Chief Rob Taylor.

"I've been doing this for 30 years and I've seen a lot of volunteers come and go. He sets the example," Taylor said. "He is very determined."

In addition to the top firefighter honors, Canfield also received a plaque for tying with another class participant for achieving the highest grade point average in the class.

Canfield said he was honored to serve with the other four NEBCO volunteers who underwent the same certification classes together. The five from NEBCO were among a class of 18 who completed the training.

"It was the hardest thing I've done in my 63 years," Canfield said. "(But) they are extraordinary men. It was a pleasure to be with those four."

In addition to Canfield, Tony Bland, Preston Oldebeken, Jeff Henry and Matt Fry recently earned their Firefighter I and II certifications. The classes took almost one year to complete. A recognition meeting was held Sunday afternoon at the NEBCO Fire Station No. 1 for their efforts. Several family members and community neighbors were on hand to applaud the men.

"We greatly appreciate them struggling through," Taylor said. "No one has ever attempted what they accomplished. We're proud of them for sticking with it and making it happen."

The class is the first of its kind in the state of Arkansas, Taylor explained. The newly designed program, under the auspices of the Arkansas Fire Academy, was created for the volunteer in mind. These guys have 40-hour work weeks, family, responsibilities and duties at home, in addition to serving as volunteer firefighters for their community, Taylor explained.

The 180-hour course entailed trips to the Arkansas Fire Academy Satellite Burn Building in Lincoln for hands-on training, in addition to a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment, he said.

"The better trained we are, the better service we can provide the community," Taylor said. "It's a great deal for them and for NEBCO."

Fry was a little late to the presentation. He works as a U.S. Park Ranger and was tied up on a call. He received his certificate and was able to change uniforms for photos taken after the presentation.