Firefighters honored

Published 10:52 am Wednesday, January 29, 2020

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Members of the Kenbridge Fire Department (KFD) received awards for dedicated service during a banquet at the department Saturday, Jan. 25.

Awards were handed out to the Firefighter of the Year, Officer of the Year, the officer who responded to the most calls and firefighters with five, 10, 25, 30, 55 and 65 years of service with the department.

Congressman Denver Riggleman attended the banquet and commended the department for its service to the community.

“It is something special about serving others,” Riggleman said. “Service is the number-one thing we can do for others.”

During the event, firefighter Jake Rifkind received an award for five years of service. Lewis Lafoon received the award for 10 years of service. William Seward was awarded for 25 years. Todd Wilson was awarded for 30 years of service. Chief Richard Harris was awarded for 55 years of service.

“He has dedicated the last 55 years of his life to serving, not only Kenbridge, but the state of Virginia,” said KFD Secretary Todd Wilson. “Having served on countless committees and holding countless offices locally and statewide he is an advocate for every volunteer firefighter in the state of Virginia and we don’t know how lucky we are to have him as our chief.”

H.B. Gee Jr. who has been an active member of the KFD since 1954 was honored for 65 years of service.

“H.B. not only has served for 65 years, but he actively serves,” Wilson said. “He only missed one meeting this year and has missed only a handful of meetings in the last 10 years. On top of that he still responds to calls, having responded to 31 calls this year.”

Ferrell Alder was commended for responding to the most calls, answering 97 calls. Alder also received the Officer of the Year Award.

Firefighter of the year was awarded to Noah Dunbar.

“Although he has only been a member for a few years, he already shows that he is a dedicated part of this family,” Wilson said. “He attends training, meetings, calls and is always willing to help out without being asked.”