Addison County Firefighters Annual Dinner Meeting Honors Local Firefighters

By Mike Cameron

photo by Mike Cameron Senior Cadet Trevor Patterson, Ferrisburgh, Chief Ralph Jackman Youth Firefighter of the Year.

photo by Mike Cameron Captain Christopher Dion, Vergennes, Emergency Maintenance Technician of the Year.

photo by Mike Cameron FFII Amos Martin, Bristol, ACFA Firefighter of the Year.

photo by Mike Cameron Lieutenant 1990-Captain-1994, Les Champine, Vergennes, Senior Firefighter of the Year.

   The Vergennes Eagles Club was once again filled to capacity as firefighters from around the county began their new year with a dinner meeting and awards ceremony.  As always the host Eagles did an excellent job with a top-notch buffet.  The atmosphere was optimistic and the camaraderie evident as fellow men and women at their individual, representative town tables discussed how to do their jobs even better and award those who have displayed extraordinary achievement during the past year.  Vermont Lt. Governor Phil Scott who clearly was enjoying himself as an invited guest addressed the gathering.  “This is volunteerism in its most effective form.  The Addison County Firefighters are special and represent the preeminent fire service organization in the State of Vermont. Each of you represents the purest form of neighbor helping neighbor.”

The 2013 awards presenter was long time AFFA officer Bernard Dubois, Addison Volunteer Fire Department.