BOTKINS — The Shelby County Firefighters Association recently held their 39th annual banquet at The Palazzo in Botkins. The banquet was attended by 135 firefighters, spouses, and guests. The speaker for the event was Evan Schumann, program manager for Ohio Task Force One.
Cameron Haller, deputy chief of the Sidney Fire Department, was presented the “Firefighter of the Year” award.
Bill Frey, with Sidney Fire Department, and Gene Schrolucke, of New Knoxville/ Washington Township Fire Department, were presented the “R. Stanley Crosley – Lifetime Achievement Award”.
Merit of Valor Award was presented to Sidney Firefighters, Anthony Marchal, Doug Stammen, Greg Francis, Jake Coverstone, Jason Truesdale, Jeff Simon, Scott Marchal, Bill Frey, Dallas Davis, Chris Niswonger, and Cameron Haller.
Other award winners were:
• “Distinguished Service Award” to Bruce Walker, of Houston Fire.
• “Attendance Award” to Port Jefferson Community Fire.
• “WOLF Award” (Wife of a loving Firefighter) to Angie Fullenkamp, Botkins Fire.
• “Supporter Award” to Scott Poeppelman, of Botkins Fire.
• “Pusher Award” and “Safe Driver Award” to Lee Adams, of Lockington Fire.
Retirement Awards were presented to:
• Gene Schrolucke, New Knoxville/Washington Twp. Fire, 47 years.
• Chris Tinnerman, New Knoxville/Washington Twp. Fire, 26 years.
• Al Felver, Lockington Fire, 21 years.
• Lucas Greve, Botkins Fire, 17 years.
• Jim Greve, Kettlersville/Van Buren Twp Fire, 14 years.
• Nick Berning, Kettlersville/Van Buren Twp Fire, 10 years.
• Eric Leugers, Kettlersville/Van Buren Twp Fire, 10 years.
• Louis Mertz, Houston Fire, 13 years.
Outgoing officers receiving “Grateful Service Awards” were President Chuck Axe, Treasurer Greg Baker, Secretary Bruce Metz, and Training Coordinators Jerry J. Davis and Ryan Fleming.
Officers for 2016 are Tara Carroll, president, Mike Layton, vice president, Marc Rue, treasurer, Tim Siegel, secretary. Training Coordinators will be Brad Schulze, Marcus Roll, Tim Siegel, Marc Rue, Ryan Axe, and Gary Schmitmeyer.
