Annual Appreciation Banquet

Robyn Betts and Sara Carter organized this year's appreciation banquet which was held at the Ocean Stars banquet hall in Apex. Over 160 people were present, one of our best attendance records yet!

After supper, the awards ceremony started out on a humorous note. Chief Haraway finally got payback for all the insurance claims and headaches we've put him through during the past year - and started what is SURE to become a new tradition, the "Goof Awards". Unsuspecting members received custom-made plaques (like the one pictured here for the "longest hose lay") and certificates for such talents as playing bumper cars with parked vehicles using the fire trucks, having an uncanny knack for traveling in the exact opposite direction than necessary to get to a call, and being able to drive full speed down the road with not some, but ALL of the 5" hose trailing behind the truck.

On a more serious note, recent retirees Mike McDougald and Bob Gwyn were honored for their many years of dedicated service. Mike served the department for 25 years, and Bob 29 years. Both were given a commemorative wall relief sculpture from the North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation, a silver and gold toned watch with a Maltese cross in the center, a Medal of Service inscribed with their years of service, and a certificate of appreciation.

The Firebelles were the recipients of this year's President's Award, in appreciation for all the support they give to the department both on and off the fireground. Vickie Vaughn, Nancy Dawson, Joy Yates, Linda Horton, Marion Woody and Mae Franklin each received a trophy plaque and a certificate.

Roy Moore continued the tradition started long ago by one of our founding members, Verne Tunstall, and distributed little red rocking chairs to those members who'd welcomed babies into their families this year. Many other awards were given out, recognizing members for their accomplishments throughout the year.

I was unable to get pictures of everyone, but I know several others had cameras. If anyone has photos that they would like to see posted to this site, please email me.

Thanks to John Sperath for setting me straight on all the awards - I knew I wasn't going to remember everything correctly! I've updated the awards lists, so please check it out!

Click the thumbnails to view a larger photo in a separate browser window.

	Scott Pearson, Donald Fuller, Issachar Modert, Jeff Silver, Stephen Schmaus, Brad Moore
Rob McGraw (Asst. Chief, Swift Creek FD) and his wife, Eric and Pat Foster, Brian Sico	My better half David, Trisha and Brian Crawford	Robyn Betts and Sara Carter were given certificates of appreciation for their hard work organizing this event. Sara was too quick for my camera!
Retirement - 29 years Bob Gwyn	Retirement - 25 years Mike McDougald	President's Award The Firebelles (Linda Horton, Joy Yates, Nancy Dawson, Vickie Vaughn, Mae Franklin, Marion Woody)
Most Training Hours Mark Coats (Career) Rebecca Markijohn (Volunteer) Josh Haraway (Explorer)	Most Calls Run Ian Bass (Career) Pete Cirasole (Volunteer) Josh Haraway (Explorer)	No photo available Over 200 Training Hours Amy Gordon (Career) Lawrence Carter (Career) Robyn Betts (Career) Shawn Sweeney (Volunteer) Mike Pendergraft (Volunteer)
Over 300 Training Hours Mark Haraway (Career) Howard Miles (Career) Chris Dawson (Career) Scott Pearson (Career) Jeff Silver (Volunteer) Billy Gilbert (Volunteer)	Over 400 Training Hours Ian Bass (Career) Mike Beasley (Career) Sean Woody (Career) Sue-Lynn Hinson (Volunteer) Issachar Modert (Volunteer)	No photo available Over 500 Training Hours Mark Coats (Career) Jody Paxton (Career)
	Service Awards Jeff Maynard (15 years) Jon Brann (10 years) John Sperath (10 years) Carl Thompson (5 years) Roy Moore (5 years)
Explorer Of The Year Edward Behringer	Career Firefighter Of The Year Jody Paxton	Volunteer Firefighter Of The Year Sue-Lynn Hinson (thanks, everyone!)
Roy Moore carries on the Verne Tunstall Red Rocker tradition	Robyn Betts and Sara Carter give out the many door prizes	And of course, what's an event without... the chicken dance? Thanks to Emily Woody for the photo!