pemspan classupdated title2012-02-12T070931-0500spanemnbsppp classbyline–13294207504110–span classauthor vcardspan classfnStory and Photos by DUSTIN HOLT Staff Writer for spanspanpp classbylinespan classauthor vcardspan classfnspanspanspan classhide source-org vcardspan classorg fnThe Star Democratspanspannbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbspnbsp p–13294207504111–div idblox-story-text classentry-contentpEASTON The Easton Volunteer Fire Department honored its members last Saturday at the departments annual banquet and dance.ppMembers with service ranging from one year to 69 years joined their families and local dignitaries for a night of celebration at the Milestone.ppA chicken and roast beef dinner preceded an awards ceremony in which Easton Fire Chief Jamie McNeal recognized top responders life members and awards recipients.ppEvery member in here is important to this department McNeal said. I appreciate everyones effort. You all always go above and beyond for this community.ppFive-year EVFD member Michael Brophy received 2011 Firefighter of the Year.ppMcNeal said Brophy demonstrates dedication and a willingness to always lend a helping hand. He said Brophy had responded to 2079 calls since 2007 the second most in the department.ppA gracious Brophy thanked McNeal for his leadership and being a role model for the department.ppMcNeal awarded Connor Satchell the departments 2011 Rookie of the Year honor. Satchell responded to 318 calls in 2011 eighth most in the department.ppAssistant Chief Sonny Jones received the 2011 Officer of the Year award.ppMcNeal called Jones his right hand at the department.ppThe 2011 Chiefs Award went to engineer Bunky Spies. Though he could not attend the banquet Spies son Jason Spies and daughter Pam Knopp accepted the award.ppLocal dignitaries honored EVFD life member Louis Mullikin for his 50 years of service with the fire department. Easton Mayor Robert C. Willey state Sen. Richard Colburn R-37-Mid-Shore Del. Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio R-37B-Talbot and Del. Addie Eckardt R-37B-Dorchester each gave Mullikin proclamations for his 50 years of service.ppThis is certainly an honor Mullikin said.ppWilley presented the fire department a 5000 check.ppOn behalf of the Town of Easton we want to thank the fire department for the work theyve done this past year Willey said. The public appreciates all you do. We are getting good complements.ppTalbot County Council President Corey Pack presented a 44500 check.ppWe truly could not do it without you. From the Talbot County Council we owe you a debt of gratitude Pack said.ppEckardt said the fire department is a family affair.ppIts volunteerism and its loyalty and willingness to give for your neighbors and others in the community she said.ppMy hat is off to you. Thank you so much for all of those hours and all of the sacrifice. You are the heart of our community.ppThe banquet also was attended by members of the Easton Town Council Talbot County Council and guests from Mid-Shore law enforcement agencies and other fire departments.pdivpp
