- Last Updated on Friday, 29 September 2017 19:49
By Charlotte Hopkins
Elizabeth Township firefighter Bill Brown was acknowledged as their 2017 Firefighter of the Year.
Bill Brown, here with Elizabeth Township Fire Chief Pete Hough, was chosen as Elizabeth Township's Firefighter of the Year for his exemplary service to the department and the community. |
Fire Chief Pete Hough stated he was thankful to Brown, noting, “[We thank him] for his services to the department and the community, along with his fundraising efforts and supporting the department through calls.”
Brown previously received three awards for his work. His duties at the fire department include answering fire calls, participating in drills, working at the gun bash, and promoting numerous fundraising endeavors, particularly their breakfasts that begin at the end of January and run until Lent. “Bill exemplifies the deeds of a volunteer fireman. His goodhearted ways are an attribute to our organization,” expressed Dave Kaminsky, President of Elizabeth Township Fire Department
Brown first became a firefighter at the age of 17, when he joined Central Volunteer Fire Company. He also served at the Buena Vista VFC and Large Volunteer Fire Department.
When Chief Hough received the Government Recruitment and Retention Grant for volunteer fire departments, he used the money to provide incentives for members. Each month, a member was awarded as Firefighter of the Month. Recipients were nominated by fellow members for their deeds and efforts. The winner of the award was chosen by a secret committee established by Chief Hough. Among those awarded, the committee then elected a Firefighter of the Year which, at this year's annual ceremony, was Bill Brown.