Blades Fire Company - Sussex County, Delaware

30th Annual Appreciation and Awards Banquet - Blades Fire Hall

Saturday, March 10, 2012

The 30th Annual Appreciation and Awards Banquet was held on Saturday night, March 10th under the theme of "A Day at the Beach. The Banquet Committee transformed the Hall into a Beach Party Theme. Dinner was provided by Fletchers Catering. Invited guests included many area Fire Company's, Local, County and State Officials and their guests. The highlight of the evening besides the dinner was the presentation of the award's for Firefighter of the Year, EMT of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Junior Firefighter of the Year. Top Responders were recognized for Most Fire Alarms and Most Ambulance Calls.  This years Firefighter of the Year was presented to Gerald Strother by Chief Earl Chaffinch and the Assistant Chiefs, EMT of the Year was also presented to Gerald Strother by Ambulance Captain Paula Moore. Rookie of the Year was presented to Shelby Marvel and Tyler Phillips, Presented by Chief Earl Chaffinch and the Assistant Chiefs. Junior Firefighter of the Year was presented to Tyler Balas, Presented by Junior Advisor Jason Tharp and the Chief's. President's Award presented by President Todd Reilly went to Mike Hurlock for his help and many hours that he provided to Junior members, and to Ray Hastings for his dedication and leadership in the construction of the new Building at the end of our parking lot. Recognition was also given to our Career EMT staff, Jason Hudson, Shane Shaver, Justin Cassell and Dale Brown.  President of the Ladies Auxiliary Jewell Chaffinch announced service awards to the members of the Auxiliary and to those that obtained lifetime membership. President Chaffinch also remembered two Ladies Auxiliary members that passed away this year Eleanor Justice and June Downes.  President Chaffinch presented a monetary check to President Reilly and Chief Chaffinch from the Auxiliary from the proceeds from the various functions that they have done this past year. A music video was presented by Chad Passwaters and Shane Shaver showing different alarms during the previous year. A dance followed the Dinner and Awards presentation with music provided by Reedy's DJ Service of Seaford.