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The 28 members of the Magee Volunteer Fire Department chose Matt Harrison as Firefighter of the Year at their annual banquet held at Berry Seafood Thursday night, October 20, 2022.
In Matt’s words:
Where do I even begin?! Tonight I was awarded with the Firefighter Of The Year Award, and I couldn’t be any more thankful. If we’re being honest, whenever I joined I didn’t even know what I was getting myself into. None of my family were firefighters, I didn’t have any close friends that were firefighters, but I wanted to serve my community in some way. After joining, I quickly learned these guys on the department weren’t just normal friends, they were true family. They were someone I could lean on, talk to, vent to and everything in between. It’s truly a blessing to know I have 28 other men I know have my back! This award wouldn’t be possible if I didn’t have them in my life. But most importantly I want to thank the Lord because without Him I’m nothing. Truly thankful for this award and what it means.
Guest were welcomed by Philip Magee. Chaplin James Fortenberry blessed the meal.
Each fireman presented a rose to their significant other. All firefighters and officers were recognized.
The department had a total of 292 hours of training for an average of 11.2 hours per active members.
Members Michael Allan and Tommy Horan attended the Mississippi State Fire Academy. Michael completed 80 hours of NFPA 1002 Driver Operator. Tommy completed 262 hours of NFPA 1001 Firefighter I and II. Horan also completed 32 hours of NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness/ Operations.
Michael Allan also attended SERTC (Security and Emergency Response Training Center) in Pueblo, Colorado where he also completed 24 hours of Crude Oil / Class 3 Flammable Liquid EmergenciesTransported by rail training. These trainings equate to a total 690 hours trained.
The fire call attendance award was presented to Chief Lane Steele. Lane attended 96.7% of all fire calls (179 of 185).
Awards for meeting attendance were presented to Ben Berch, Phillip Magee, and Lane Steele for attending 100% of the fire meetings for the year.
The 50/50 group attended 50% or more of both calls and meetings. These firefighters were: Phillip Allan, Ben Berch, David craft, Matt Harrison, Phillip Magee, Hunter Steele, Shane Steele, and Lane Steele. These men received a Case Knife from the Magee Co-Op.
Years of service awards: Tommy Horan 5 years of service. Shane Little 10 years of service.
B. J. Smith presented James Ainsworth with a Magee Fire Department Badge as an Honor Firefighter because of his involvement with the many fundraisers that the department has put on. This type of award happens very seldom.
Ben Berch announced the Firefighter of the Year award. The recipient for this year is Matt Harrison. Matt thanked the Lord, his parents and many of the members of the fire department.
Harrison closed with a prayer.
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