The Penhold Fire Department recently honoured its top officers and firefighter.
The awards are designed to recognize their time and dedication to the volunteer fire department.
Jamie Southwell was named firefighter of the year, while Lt. Elisabeth Hoffman (also Penhold fire prevention officer), and Lt. Sean Pendergast were both named as officer of the year.
Penhold fire Chief Jim Pendergast and town mayor Dennis Cooper presented the annual awards at the regular council meeting on Feb. 22.
“We do this every year. We thought it's a good way to recognize their efforts,” said Pendergast. “It's always very close and it's difficult to pick a candidate. So many of the firefighters here do so many good things.”
Pendergast said the firefighter of the year is an annual award given by the officers to the person who goes above and beyond the normal activities of a volunteer firefighter.
“Each year there are several candidates and this year there were more than usual,” he said.
The officer of the year is selected by the firefighters and is presented to the officer who best displays leadership and mentoring to the firefighters with the department.
Both officers were promoted to their positions in 2015.
Jim Pendergast, fire chief
"It's always very close and it's difficult to pick a candidate. So many of the firefighters here do so many good things."
