SIDNEY — The Shelby County Firefighters Association recently held its 43rd annual meeting and awards banquet.

Receiving certificates were Golden Mic Award, Wes Goubeaux; Pusher Award, Ross Kohler; Loving Supporter of a Firefighter, Brittany Axe; Attendance Award, Lockington Fire Department; and Citizens Award, Ashley Spillman, Steven Moody and Maplewood United Methodist Church.

Retirement awards were presented to Ed Burden, 40 years with Botkins Fire Department; Dennis Phlipot, 24 years with Fort Loramie Fire Department; Greg Ruhenkamp, 26 years with Fort Loramie Fire Department; Jim Slonkosky, 36 years with Fort Loramie Fire Department; and Pat Baumer, 26 years with Minster Fire Department.

Grateful service awards were presented to President Andy Holthaus and Training Coordinator Russell Jester.

The R. Stanley Crosley Life Time Achievement Award was given to Anthony W. McLain and Gery Heuing.

Merit of Valor award was presented to Mack Knupp. Ryan Axe was named firefighter of the year.

The association’s officers were also recognized: President Andy Holthaus, Vice President Mark Shappie, Secretary Tim Siegel, Treasurer Mark Rue and Training Coordinators Tim Siegel, Pat Fullenkamp, Russell Jester, Ryan Axe, Josh Rogers and Mark Rue.

Incoming officers are President Mark Shappie, Vice President Jason Truesdale, Secretary Tim Siegel, Treasurer Mark Rue and Training Coordinators Ryan Axe, Mark Rue, Josh Rogers, Tim Siegel, Pat Fullenkamp and Jerry Davis.