Banquet honors fire fighters for volunteer service to community
By SHARON KERR Staff Writer

RONNIE PEARSON receives the Fireman of the Year award from Jasper Volunteer Fire Chief Garry Lamoreaux. Newsboy photo/Charles Kerr

At the Jasper Volunteer Fire Department banquet, Jack Armstrong received the Chief's Award and newcomer Ronnie Pearson was named Fireman of the Year.

Fire chief Garry Lamoreaux said the chief's award is based on participation and assistance throughout the year, and the membership votes for the fireman of the year. Ronnie Pearson, son of Rodney Pearson, has been a member of JVFD since 2005.

Joel Domangue of Gulf South Consulting was guest speaker, with a slide show presentation of lessons learned during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Officers sworn in for 2008 are Garry Lamoreaux, chief and chaplain; Gary Dougherty, assistant chief; Glen Davis, Steve Primrose and Robert Treadway, all deputies chiefs; Jack Armstrong and Steve Seale, station captains; and David Schulz, secretary.

Gary Dougharty was also recognized as outgoing chief, and Bob Gary and Glen Davis for their service as training chief and maintenance chief.

Newsboy photo/Charles Kerr RODNEY PEARSON, center, poses with his father Ronnie Pearson and Jasper Volunteer Fire Chief Garry Lamoreaux during Monday's banquet held at Catfish Cabin. Rodney Pearson was named Fireman of the Year during the event.

New members of JVFD are Joseph Rash, Keith Morgan and Daniel Guevarra. George Bush retired this year.

Members who received service pins were David Harper, 30 years; David Schulz, 20 years; Robert Treadway, 15 years; Brandon Duckworth and Reynold Bruvold, 10 years; and Rodney Pearson and Glen Bank, five years.

The JVFD Auxilliary is made up of spouses who assist the volunteers by delivering water, food and supplies to the firefighters. Members are Kim Treadway, Kris Davis, Katrina Davis, Valerie Rash, Mary Beth Gary, Dana Nail and Sandy Pearson.