Captain Top Dog

Walker County Emergency Services (WCES) had their annual Christmas/Awards banquet Saturday night. I usually have a good time at these events and was excited this year becuase a person in my station was being promoted to Luitenant.

The evening started off with a little anxiety because I showed up early to save seats for everyone in the department and their families, but everyone was running late. People finally showed up and things worked out fine.

There was some mystery to the evening though as there were a lot of new helmets up on the awards table. Traditionally, you only receive a new helmet when you become and officer (go from black to red) or become a chief officer (red to white). However there were black, red, and white helmets up on the table. I was far enough away that I was not able to see the station numbers on the placards to see what they said, so it kept us guessing all night.

Don from the fire department was promoted to Lt which was no surprise, but what was surprising was how many times I was called up for an award. First, I was awarded my 10 year anniversary pin. I knew about this and was not surprised. I was also awarded a special community service award for some hours I put in shuttling water to some residence when part of the water distribution system went down over the Labor Day weekend. This was a surprise. I was then promoted to Captain – which I suspected might happen, but did not know for certain. I am excited about this, but would appreciate your prayers as I go forward in this role. Finally, I was awarded a “Top Dog” award and was given a brand new leather helmet which is mine to keep. Leather helmets are not common becasue of the expense of them. It is really nice and I was excited to receive it.

I was overwhelmed by all of this, but was thankful for the recognition.