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Magee Fire Department Honors Its Own at Annual Banquet
The Magee Fire Department held its annual banquet Thursday night, October 8, bringing firefighters and their families together for an evening of fellowship, remembrance, and recognition.
Fire Chief David Craft welcomed everyone before the department paused to remember those who have gone before them. Three roses were placed in memory of fallen military heroes, the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and deceased members of the Magee Fire Department. Chaplain James Fortenberry gave the blessing.
One of my favorite parts of the banquet is always the recognition of the firefighters’ wives and special ladies. Each firefighter was asked to present a single rose to his wife or special lady. It was a simple gesture, but a touching reminder that behind these firefighters are families who also make sacrifices every time that fire alarm sounds.
A Busy Year for Magee Fire Department
The numbers shared during the banquet show just how much these volunteer firefighters give to our community.
During the year, the Magee Fire Department responded to 278 fire calls, totaling 2,724 man-hours on the scene. The department also completed 460 hours of training, including 125 hours of in-house training and 335 hours of outside training.
Assistant Chief John Hosey led the department in fire call attendance, responding to 242 of the 278 calls—87 percent of all calls during the year.
Other firefighters responding to at least 50 percent of the calls were David Craft, 82%; Michael Allan, 54%; and Hunter May, 52%.
Service and Dedication Recognized
Firefighters were also honored for years of service. Tony Puckett and BJ Smith were recognized for an impressive 30 years with the department. Mark Parker was honored for 20 years; John Hosey, Wesley Neely and Michael Allan for 10 years; and Hunter Steele, Daniel Killebrew and Matt Harrison for five years.
Three firefighters achieved 100 percent meeting attendance: David Craft, John Hosey and Aaron Lindsey.
Four firefighters—David Craft, John Hosey, Michael Allan and Hunter May—were also recognized for achieving at least 50 percent attendance in both meetings and fire calls.
A Special Thank You to James Ainsworth
The department took time to honor longtime “honorary firefighter” James Ainsworth for his years of service and his tremendous support of Magee Fire Department fundraisers.
Through his cooperation and hard work, thousands of dollars have been raised for scholarship funds benefiting students from Magee High School, Simpson Academy and children of Magee firefighters.
James was presented with a $500 Bass Pro Shops gift card as a token of the department’s appreciation.
John Hosey Named Firefighter of the Year
One of the top honors of the evening went to Assistant Chief John Hosey, who was named the Magee Fire Department’s Firefighter of the Year.
John’s record of service during the year certainly shows why he was selected. He responded to an impressive 242 of the department’s 278 fire calls—87 percent—the highest call attendance in the department. John also achieved 100 percent attendance at department meetings during the year.
In addition to serving as Assistant Chief, John was recognized for 10 years of service with the Magee Fire Department. He also took part in one of the most touching moments of the banquet, leading the recognition of firefighters’ wives and special ladies.
When you look at John’s involvement—from answering calls to attending meetings and taking on the responsibilities of Assistant Chief—it is easy to see his dedication to the department and to the people of Magee.
2026-2027 Magee Fire Department Officers
The officers of the Magee Fire Department for 2026-2027 were also recognized during the banquet. Serving the department are:
- Chief – David Craft
- Assistant Chief – John Hosey
- Captain 1 – Michael Allan
- Captain 2 – Jim Stanford
- Rescue Captain – Shane Steele
- Lieutenant 1 – Rueben Koehn
- Lieutenant 2 – Ben Berch
- Rescue Lieutenant – Hunter May
- Secretary – Mark Parker
- Parliamentary – Hunter Steele
These men take on additional responsibilities in providing leadership, training and support for the department while continuing to answer calls and serve the community.
First-Ever Chief’s Award
Chief Craft also began a new tradition this year—the Chief’s Award.
The first recipient was Aaron Lindsey, selected after what Chief Craft described as a year-long observation process. The award recognizes someone who demonstrates leadership, loyalty, cooperation and dedication while often working quietly behind the scenes.
Chief Craft told Aaron that his dedication to the department and commitment to the city set an incredible standard for everyone.
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