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The annual MVFD banquet was held Thursday, October 25, 2018 at Berry’s Seafood Restaurant in Magee.
The banquet is one of the highlights for the firemen as well as guest. This is a time for recognition…a time to learn what has taken place in the last 12 months…and who has done what.
Someone told me not to long ago, I needed to stop writing in first person…telling things from my perspective…but ya’ll, that is about the only way I can write now! So bear with me!
Chief Lane Steele began the program with a welcome to guest and a special recognition to James and Janet Peden who have attended every fire banquet since James joined the department years ago!
A memorial service followed with the placing of the 3 yellow roses in the fire boot representing fallen firemen and first responders all over the United States.
Following the meal, firemen were recognized for their outstanding achievements during the past 12 months. I am always amazed at the loyalty these men feel for the department and their city. I really don’t think many of us understand the actually sacrifice these men make. Getting up in the middle of the night to fight a fire, leaving a job to fight a fire, and attending meetings and trainings are just a few of a fireman’s duty.
Red roses were presented to each wife present by their husband. The tradition of presenting a rose goes back many years and is away to say thank you to the sacrifices the wives make for their husbands to be firemen.
Chris Tuggle, Assistant Chief, gave the break down on service hours: 573 hours of in house training ; 656 hours at the Mississippi Fire Academy; 672 hours off-site training bringing a total of 1,245 hours of training for the year. The figure equals to 36.6 hours of training per firemen.
Mississippi State Fire Academy instructor, Carl Van Horn, assisted in presenting plaques to the firemen. Van Horn emphasized the importance of the training our Magee Fire Department continues to do which keeps our fire rating at a Volunteer Certified Fireman Level 2.
Phillip Magee was recognized for 80 hours giving him the distinction of Investigator. 
During 2017-18, there were 147 fire calls requiring 886 man hours or 31.6 per fireman. The highest weekday for fires is Wednesday (26 fires). Saturday and Monday are the lightest days with 18 fires.
Firemen making 50% of the fires: Lane Steele, Shane Steele, and Tony Puckett. Two people tied for the top percentage of fire calls 137/147 or 93 % were obtained by Phillip Magee and. Michael Allan.
Recognized for 100% of meeting attendance was Michael Allan. Phillip Magee was recognized for 100% for 10 years! Lane Steele was recognized for 100% meeting attendance for 30 years.
Phillip Magee awarded yeti cups with a fire patch to six guys for their outstanding attendance at fires and meeting.
Michael Allen 90% fire calls and 100% meetings.
Shane Steele 79% fire calls and 85% meetings. 
Lane Steele 94% fire calls and 100% meetings.
Tom Horan 52% fire calls and 81% meetings. 
Phillip Magee 93% fire calls and 100% meetings.
Philip Allan Volunteer Certified Level 2
Phillip Magee, David Craft, and Shane Steele were recognized for 10 years of service to the department.
The highlight of every fire banquet is the naming of the “Fireman of the Year.” Last years recipient was Michael Allan who presented the award which is voted on by the department to Fireman Shane Little. 
The Fireman of the Year award is kept a secret until the night of the banquet. Shane Little said,” I try my best and I want to do better than I do,”
I’m just saying, I stand amazed at the dedication of these men. They truly have a heart of service.
Most of you know the fire department holds a special place in my heart. I grew up with my daddy leaving in the middle of the night to fight a fire…leaving when he had a customer to fight a fire…missing some activities to fight a fire.
Congratulations to these men. Each one deserves our highest respect for a life they are living well.
Thank you to the fire department for allowing MageeNews.com to be a part of your banquet.
Chief Lane Steele and his mother Mrs. Nadine Steele. 
Bobby Toney Volunteer Certified Level 2
