Lori Graham
Contributing Writer
Michael Geary, Emergency Services Coordinator, along with Fire Chief Billy Hanks of the Christiansburg Fire Department presented service recognition awards to members of the community who have provided both fire and rescue support to Montgomery County at the recent Montgomery County Board of Superviros meeting.
Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad members David Caldwell, Leslie Combs and Kelly Levine, were present to receive their award for 20 years of service, and Robert Rogers was recognized for 40 years of service in front of Board members and guests.
Todd Chrisley and Barry Simmons, from the Christiansburg Volunteer Fire Department were there to receive their 20-year service recognitions, Jeremy Williams was recognized for 30 years, and Alan Shaw received a 35-year service award.
From the Riner Volunteer Fire Department, Ron Baldwin was present to receive a 30-year service award, and both Gary Francis and Patrick Saylors have served the Riner community for 35 years.
Kenneth Turner was present to be recognized for an outstanding 45 years of service with the Riner Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Christiansburg Volunteer Rescue Squad.
Those individuals that were not able to be present at the meeting but were recognized are: from Longshop McCoy Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Wayne Akers with 21 years, Michael Barnett with 20 years, Clarence (C.J.) Sherman with 22 years, and Keith Williams with 25 years of service.
Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad’s Kate Mahive has served for 25 years, John O’Shea with 29 years, and Paul (P.J.) Fleener with 30 years of service.
The Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department’s M. Douglas Epperly has provided an astonishing 50 years of service as well as C. Robert Carner with his incredible service of 45 years. Dennis Price has also served the Blacksburg community with 35 years, as well as Anthony Wilson with 30 years.
Elliston Volunteer Fire Department’s Clyde Hodges also has served his community with 45 years of dedicated service.
Members of the Board of Supervisors congratulated the fire and rescue members for their commitment to their neighbors and friends.
“You represent something that we really cherish, we really want to hang on to, as long as we possibly can,” Supervisor Steve Fijalkowski said. “So, I thank you for all your service.”
“Just looking out on the crowd tonight, it’s so comforting to know that when the citizens of Montgomery County have an emergency, that we have this level of experience and dedication that’s there to answer that call,” said Supervisor April Demotts. “Thank you all for your decades of service.”
