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Sidney Volunteer Fire Department honors members at banquet

The Sidney Volunteer Fire Department held its annual banquet at Dude's on Saturday evening. The banquet is held to honor and recognize the Sidney firefighters, with awards given for years of service as well as the Firefighter of the Year award. Sidney City Councilor Wendall Gaston and City Manager Gary Person also thanked the firemen for protecting Sidney throughout the years.

"On behalf of the city, we really thank you for always being there," said Gaston. "When we live in an area where we have house fires, storms and have railroads go right through town, sometimes we have a lot of incidences of emergencies, and you can always depend on the Sidney Fire Department to be there. I know the training it takes to be prepared and safe, and I hope that we provide you with the best equipment we can and the tools you need so when you're there you can be safe."

Person recognized the talent and experience of the volunteers, as well as the spouses of the firefighters.

"You saved this city millions of dollars over the years with your incredible talent and commitment," said Person. "This community wouldn't be the same without you, knowing that you always have our back. You are very special people."

The Sidney Volunteer Fire Department originated in 1879, making it the oldest continuous organizations in Sidney.

According to Matt Butts of the Sidney Fire Department, the banquet recognized 180 years of service in the department.

Butts, alongside Fire Chief Keith Stone, gave awards for five years of service to Joe Talich, Ed Kendall and Corey Thornton. Butts was recognized for his 10 years with the department. Dana Reece, Eric Sawyer and Mike Palmer were awarded for their 15 years of service. Larry Johnson was honored for his 20 years of service. Ron Leal and Rob Roderick both received awards for being with the department for 25 years. The last service award was given to Larry Choan for his 40 years of dedication.

"It's been a long go, but I wouldn't go in a fire without any one of you guys," said Chaon. "We've got one of the best fire departments in this end of the state."

Tim Bassitt and Matt Hines were recognized as nominees for the Firefighter of the Year award.

Person presented the prestigious Firefighter of the Year award to Rob Roderick.

 

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