(Front row, L-R) Rod Bryan, Rodney Bryan, Chris Moates, Dennis Perkins, Michael Donelli, Justin Whitaker; (back row) Ken Roberts, Kevin Krivan, Kente Carter, Michelle Alvarez The Colquitt/Miller County Fire-EMS Department held its annual banquet last Tuesday night, December 8.

Department head of the fire and emergency medical services, Chief Craig Tully, welcomed the large crowd of firemen, emergency medical service officers, their families and friends to the 2009 Awards Banquet.

Tully then introduced the speakers for the banquet, Cory Thomas and Barbie Womble. They each told of how the fire department and EMS were working together as one and thanked them for their hard work and dedication to our community.

Next Chief Tully presented the coveted awards that are voted on by the members of the department.

The recipients were as follows: Ruth Merritt, E-911 Award; Ken Roberts, a plaque for his 30 years of service to the fire department; Cody Musgrove, Cadet Fire Fighter; Justin Whitaker, Rookie of the Year; Rod Bryan, Chief’s Award; Rod Bryan, Rodney Bryan and Chris Moates, a three-way tie for Firefighter of the Year; Dennis Perkins, EMT of the Year; Michael Donelli, Paramedic of the Year; B Shift, which included Michael Donelli, Kente Carter, Kevin Krivan, and Michelle Alvarez, EMS Call of the Year.

Lots more happened. It was all good. These are truly the best of the best!

When you see one of these men or women, remember to thank them for all they do. They risk their own lives to save others.