With another year of service behind us, LaGrange Fire & Rescue Department recently held our Awards Banquet that recognizes volunteer, career and auxiliary personnel for years of service, and other notable achievements. The awards presentation along with an excellent meal, catered by Classic Cuisine, was held at Bethany Hall in LaGrange.

Two of the major awards that were presented during the evening included:

Firefigher Brandon Just-The Mayfield Rankin Award, given to the Career Firefighter of the Year. This award is dedicated to the memory of Engineer Mayfield Rankin who passed in the Line of Duty during a structure fire in 1971.

Firefighter Sam Krebs-The Richard Dake Award, given to the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year. This award honors the memory of Firefighter Richard Dake who died in the Line of Duty during a training exercise in 2002.

Chief James Sitzler was also honored at the banquet with a 40 Years of Service recognition. Chief Sitzler joined the department in March of 1976 as a volunteer firefighter, was promoted to the position of Chief in September of 2003 and continues to serve in that capacity today.

Award were presented to the following members of the LFRD Auxiliary:
Kathie Rouser - 20 Years of Service
Cindy Cheap - 35 Years of Service
Kim Cox - 2016 Auxiliary Member of the Year
Brenda Chappell -25 Years of Service
Paul Chappell - 25 Years of Service

Congratulations to all those that continue making LaGrange Fire & Rescue Department the best.