Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department Wall of Honor
December 13, 2017 - On Saturday, December 9th, the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department held it's annual Christmas Party at the Joaquin ISD Cafeteria.
After the fire department members and their families enjoyed a steak dinner, Chief Perry Pugh welcomed the guests, which included members of the Joaquin City Council, Joaquin Public Safety Development Corporation Board, Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Margie Anderson, Precinct 3 Constable Roy Cheatwood, and many others.
Assistant Chief Jeremy Boyett presented a plaque to Patrick Sandifer, who donated his time and skills to paint the department's newly acquired Army truck, which came from the Texas Forest Service on a grant.
Training Officer Stephen Ewing presented service awards. Ewing and Firefighter David Pierce were recognized for perfect attendance at the department's bi-monthly meetings. Chief Perry Pugh was given a certificate for making the most runs of any member for the year. Out of 54 calls for the year, Chief Pugh responded on 43 of them.
Ewing then presented six members with awards for years of service. In addition to a certificate for each firefighter who was recognized, their wives were also recognized. Ewing stated that being a volunteer firefighter is virtually impossible without the support of one's family. Firefighter Jesse Parent, along with his wife, Sarah, were presented with a certificate and a pin for five years of service. Ewing himself, and his wife, Tami, received an award for ten years of service. Assistant Fire Marshall Justin Boyett and his wife Katie received awards for 15 years of service. Assistant Chief Jeremy Boyett and his wife, SueSue, received awards for 25 years. Firefighter Michael Sandifer, and his wife, Rhonda, were not able to attend, but they were recognized for 30 years. Assistant Chief Steve Cockrell was presented with the department's first ever 45 year service award. Ewing stated "Big Steve has been here, literally from the start. This department was formed in 1973, and he was there. It's been a huge part of his life ever since." Steve's wife, Joyce, has been by his side for every one of his 45 years. She was awarded a 45 year pin as well.
Assistant Chief Jeremy Boyett took the floor to present the JVFD's annual Firefighter of the Year Award, which is voted on by the members. The honor went to Firefighter Nat Rodgers, who has been a firefighter for four years.
Boyett also spoke about the JVFD's Wall of Honor. The Wall was created in 2015, to recognize people who have been influential in the history and growth of the department. The four inaugural honorees were Steve Cockrell, former Fire Marshall Jim Hutto, Former Chief Mike Wood, and Former Chief Elmer Mathews. In 2016, Former Assistant Chief Jim Swindell, Former Assistant Chief Mike Cummings, Sr., and Former Firefighter Buddy Boyett were added to the Wall. This year, Former Driver/ Operator J.G. (Junior) Spurlock and Former Driver/ Operator Kenneth Spurlock were honored. J.G. Spurlock's daughters, Betty McDaniel and Sheila Fisher were presented with a plaque in honor of their father as his picture was added to the Wall. Kenneth Spurlock's daughter, Mary Lawrence, was also presented with a plaque as his picture was added. Both Spurlock brothers had multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren in attendance.
The JVFD would once again like to wish everyone in the 269 community a safe and Merry Christmas.
Assistant Chief Jeremy Boyett presents Firefighter Nat Rodgers with the annual Firefighter of the Year Award.
Boyett presents Sheila Fisher and Betty McDaniel with a plaque in honor of their father, J.G. (Junior) Spurlock's service to the JVFD. J.G. Spurlock was added to the JVFD Wall of Honor at the Christmas Party.
Jeremy Boyett presents Mary Lawrence with a plaque honoring her father, Kenneth Spurlock's service to the JVFD. Mr. Spurlock was added to the JVFD Wall of Honor Saturday night.
Ewing presents Assistant Fire Marshall Justin Boyett with a certificate and a 15 year service pin.
Ewing presents Assistant Chief Jeremy Boyett with a certificate and a 25 year service pin.
Assistant Chief Steve Cockrell shows off the plaque he received for 45 years of service.
Joaquin VFD Training Officer Stephen Ewing presents Firefighter David Pierce with a certificate for Perfect Attendance at fire meetings for 2017.
Training Officer Ewing presents Firefighter Jesse Parent with a certificate and pin thanking him for five years of service.
Ewing recognizes Fire Chief Perry Pugh for making the most calls in 2017
