(5/22) Graceham Volunteer Fire Company honored their dedicated volunteers, with a special banquet in April. The celebration was a combination of their 2020 and 2021 annual award ceremonies and the 60th anniversary celebration, all of which had been canceled due to COVID-19.
Assistant Secretary Julie Fogle presented the 2020 recognition awards on behalf of former fire chief Valaria Kilby who recently moved to Florida and holds the distinction of being the first female chief of Graceham.
The Officer of the Year award for 2020 was presented to Louis Powell for his role as Assistant Chief.
The 2020 Chief’s award was presented to Kate Lott for her outstanding devotion to the fire service. Lott was also the recipient of the EMS of the Year award and holds the distinction of being the company’s first female president.
2020 Top Responder of the Year was awarded to Randell McCormick. Other acknowledgements included Tammy Smith for her outstanding efforts in company fundraising and Terry Boller for his continual support to the station through electrical knowledge. Bonnie and Leonard Kesner were presented certifications for honorary membership due to their service and support to the company.
The 2021 President’s award was presented to Brian Boller as an individual always available for additional work around the station. The 2021 Chief’s Award was presented to Timothy Lott for his internal drive and can-do attitude.
Life membership awards were presented with gratitude to Julia Kennedy and Carol Boller. Honorary Memberships were awarded to Phyllis Kreitz for her significant contributions toward fundraising efforts and keeping department finances in order.
The organization’s highest honor, the Hall of Fame Award, was presented to William Morgan for his over thirty years of dedication to the company. Morgan has been an active fire fighter and driver as well as serving on the board of directors.
Former Department Chief Eugene Grimes was inducted posthumously into the Hall of Fame. Grimes could always be found with a smile on his face and was active in not only directing traffic and fundraising, but also served on the board of directors for at least two terms, Fogle said.
