Randolph County Volunteer Firefighters Honored

Culminating Volunteer Fire Department Appreciation Week, more than 220 of Randolph County’s finest were honored at the Randolph County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments (RCAVFD) Annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on March 19.

The annual event brings together volunteer firefighters and those who support them, to include; local and state government officials, Emergency Management Agency personnel, Alabama Forestry Commission personnel, 9-1-1 telecommunicators, law enforcement officers, emergency medical responders (ground and air), and most importantly, their families. This year’s event was hosted by Dickert VFD and featured Ronnie Blankenship, senior fire consultant with Rimkus Consulting Inc., as the keynote speaker who inspired the audience with his assessment on how to overcome the many challenges facing our volunteer fire departments.

RCAVFD President JJ Wendling presided over the event to honor those who selflessly sacrifice their time to serve their community. The Rev. Mike Brewer of Rock Mills VFD and Doug Skidmore of Woodland VFD were honored as Firefighters of the Year, and Charles Wilson of Rock Stand VFD and Jerry Albright of Newell VFD were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Wendling was honored for his superior leadership in mentoring others with the Stewardship Award. Charlie Wise, who retired Oct. 1, 2021, was recognized for his superior service and dedication as Randolph County’s Alabama Forestry Commission agent for more than 28 years.

State Senator Randy Price (left) and State Representative Bob Fincher (right) stand with Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Charles Wilson at Saturday’s volunteer firefighter appreciation banquet.