During the banquet, the VFW recognizes two firefighters for the dedication to the fire service.
VFW District 12 Commander, Kim Shollenberger, of Pine Grove, was also in attendance to hand out the awards.
"It's an honor to be here to present these awards. District 12 is made up of Schuylkill, Montour, and Northumberland Counties, which includes 17 different VFW posts, and Ashland is the only post that does this for EMT, firefighters, and police."
The first award was given to William McFadden, of the Washington Fire Company, for his 57 years of active continuous membership to the Washington Fire Company.
"Through Mick's eyes, he has seen many changes in the fire service. From the color of apparatus to the style of firefighter techniques, we are just proud to say, that through it all, his family was behind him, it's time for us to THANK YOU". said Ashland Fire Chief Philip Groody Sr.The second award, the Firefighter of the Year Award, was given to Philip Groody Jr. of the American Hose Company. Groody also received award from the State VFW Delegration.
Groody was recognized for his leadership and dedication to the fire service.
McFadden and Groody both received proclamations that read "In special recognition in the highest praise, for alertness, personal courage, and ever efficient guardsmanship of life and property."
The Ashland VFW First Responders Banquet also included speakers Sheriff Joseph Groody, Mayor Ray Walcavage, and Fire Chief Philip Groody. More on that later.
Photo and Story by J. Reed