SALISBURY — South Salisbury Fire Department recently held its Annual Membership Banquet and Awards Ceremony where members were recognized who attended training, obtained certifications and responded to incidents in the previous year.

This is the department’s 15th annual membership incentive program where members are honored.

Fire Chief Cory Orbison recognized the following members with service pin awards for 40 years of service: Firefighter Terry Eller and Medical Responders Vickie Grubb and Franda Raymer.

Fire Chief (Ret.) Bobby “Skoshie” Burleyson was recognized and presented with an award for his service as fire chief from December 2016 through December 2017.

Annually, South Salisbury Fire Department recognizes members who have gone above and beyond their requirements to provide service for the citizens they protect. These awards are voted on by the department membership.

Deputy Fire Chief Jason Burnett presented the following awards for service during 2017:

• Firefighter Justin Belk was presented with the Harold V. Glover Firefighter of the Year award. Belk began his service as a volunteer firefighter in 2005.
• Captain Robert Hill was presented with the Daniel W. Peters Officer of the Year award. Captain Hill began his service as a volunteer firefighter in 2013. Hill was promoted to the rank of assistant fire chief in January 2018.
• Medical Responder Coordinator Jeffrey Blake was presented with the Walter K. Shoaf Medical Responder of the Year award. Blake began his service as a part-time firefighter in 2016.
• Firefighter Holly-Anne Franco was presented with the G. Alexander “Pud” Lyerly Rookie of the Year award. Franco began her service as a volunteer firefighter in 2016. Firefighter Franco was promoted to the rank of assistant medical responder coordinator in January 2018.
• Junior Firefighter Jacob Nichols was presented with the G. Alexander “Pud” Lyerly Rookie of the Year award. Nichols has been with the department since 2017.
• Fire Chief (Ret.) Bobby “Skoshie” Burleyson was presented with the Kevin D. Williams Service Above Self Award. Burleyson has 21 years of service with the department.

Kevin D. Williams died on March 29th, 2017, and the department continues to recognize his service as a volunteer firefighter through this award named now in his memory.

South Salisbury Fire Department is currently looking for men and women who wish to serve as volunteers with all types of backgrounds, skills and abilities. Prior experience is not needed in order to apply.

The department is looking for firefighters, medical responders, driver and truck operators, support personnel and anyone wishing to make a significant difference in their community.

South Salisbury is located at 3207 Old Concord Road. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer and live near this community stop by the fire station or call 704-637-3873 for more information.