The Shadow
The Falling Spring Rescue Squad installed officers for 2012, and also presented several awards, during its annual installation of officers banquet Sunday night at the Falling Spring firehouse.
Over 40 squad members, family members and guests from the community were in attendance.
Working officers, as well as social officers, were installed by Alleghany County Sheriff Kevin Hall.
Working officers for 2012 include Mark McCoy, captain; Mark Reynolds, first lieutenant; Aaron Reynolds, second lieutenant – land; Jim Kern, second lieutenant – water; Jason Reynolds, quartermaster; and Kevin Broce, training officer.
Social officers include Dee Dee Smith, president; Robert Varner, vice president; Larry Craft, treasurer; and Maresa Butler, secretary; Wilma Kern, historian; and Bill Reynolds, chaplain.
The squad also presented Butler with the award for Most Calls Answered in 2012. She answered 68 of 168. The Squad Member of the Year was presented to Jason Reynolds. Both awards were presented by Smith.
Also during Sunday night’s ceremony, Smith recognized Brandon Gordon, a probationary member of the squad, with an award for a “job well done.” Gordon’s certification as a squad member is pending his completion of EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) classes. Gordon answered 126 calls for the squad in 2011.
The squad also recognized three retired members in attendance – Bobby Varner, Jack Stinespring and J.P. Kern.
In addition, they remembered Lula Gertrude Smith, who passed away in 2011. She was responsible for helping to start the squad’s auxiliary.
Other guests recognized at Sunday night’s banquet were Sheriff Hall and his wife, Deanna; Iredo “Granny” Alderman, who was also instrumental in starting the auxiliary; and Dwaine Paxton with the Dunlap Rescue Squad. Members of Dunlap were on stand-by for Falling Spring during Sunday night’s ceremony.
Falling Spring Rescue Squad also expressed appreciation to Dunlap, Covington and Hot Springs rescue squads for assisting them on calls in 2011.
