Volunteers honored at Firefighter Appreciation Day

Dec. 8– Hardin County’s volunteer firefighters were honored Saturday at the annual Firefighter Appreciation Day.

Held this year at the Saltillo farm of former county commissioner Kathy Smith, service awards were given and refreshments served.

Chuck Vineyard of the Cerro Gordo Volunteer Fire Department (Dist. 4) was named the Firefighter of the Year.

Each of the 14 volunteer fire departments or districts nominated one of their members for the honor, with the selection being made by the county chief, Melvin Martin.

"It’s a hard choice sometimes, but Chuck made it a little easier" because of his outstanding 264 training hours underwent this year, said Martin.

Vineyard said winning the award was a surprise.

"I wasn’t there. I was at the Fire Academy training," he said.

Vineyard, a retired Army mechanic, also serves as the county fire department’s canine team leader.

Jimmy Neill, chief of the Burnt Church Volunteer Fire Department (Dist. 8) was chosen by Martin as the new District Chief of the Year.

In another award, William Henson of the Counce Volunteer Fire Department (Dist. 3) was voted the First Responder of the Year. The winner is determined by the local ambulance service.

According to Martin, Henson made the most fire calls in the county during the past year at 63, and approximately as many first responder calls.