By Elisabeth Strillacci

SPENCER — Every public safety department typically has an annual event that presents an opportunity to recognize accomplishments and service above and beyond during the past year, in spite of the fact that just about everyone who works in public safety will tell you, that’s not why they do what they do.

But that doesn’t mean recognition isn’t appreciated, or earned.

Saturday night was the Spencer Fire Department’s turn, and as firefighters, family, friends and the community gathered at the Moose Lodge, Chief Michael Lanning noted that the awards table “is far more full than it has been in many years.”

That is due in large part to the fact that the department is now fully staffed, with the hiring of engineer Jacob Keever, who was officially pinned at the start of Saturday’s event.

Jacob Nichols and Evan Kreiner were recognized for five years of service, with Lanning noting that since he took over as chief, longevity is growing.

The first award Lanning presented was firefighter of the year, which went to Kolby Smith, and the part time firefighter of the year was given to Jacob Nichols.

“When we considered the award for officer of the year, I wanted to be sure we took into consideration the import of the award and what it means,” said Lanning. “For this person, the things he has experienced this last year, the hardships he has faced, have been difficult, and yet he comes in to work and turns off the noise. He does not let it affect the quality of his work or his focus. And, he has been here the longest with me.” He congratulated Captain Dakota Anderson.

Justin Monroe was one of two firefighters to die in the line of duty in the Salisbury Millworks Fire on March 7, 2008. Monroe and Victor Isler were killed in the fire and Monroe’s mother has worked with her son’s former department in Spencer to keep her son’s memory alive. In addition to the summer camp named for Monroe, each year the department presents the Justin Monroe Leadership Award. This year it went to Stephan Arnold, and Lanning praised Arnold’s guidance for new firefighters and consistency on the job.

Captain Anderson presented the Howard Everhardt Service Above Self Award to Chief Lanning for his efforts well beyond his job description. Last year, a senior veteran in the community reached out to Lanning for help. Lanning helped get the man’s home cleaned, made a habit of checking in on him, and even made sure to get food for both the man and his dog.

“It doesn’t have to be in his job description,” said Anderson. “It’s just what he thinks is the right thing to do.”

Four firefighters were awarded the medical life saving award for their actions on Oct. 18 of last year, when they responded to a call of an unconscious person. The call was upgraded to a cardiac arrest with the woman no longer breathing. By the time the rescue crew arrived, firefighters had gotten the woman’s pulse back, performing CPR, saving her life. Collins, Doug Lewis, Donnie Myers and Arnold all received the award.

“This next award is an impromptu award for compassion and for going above and beyond the call of duty,” said Lanning. After a medical call, three firefighters went into a woman’s back yard and dug a hole and helped her bury her deceased family dog, building a cross to put on the grave. Lanning recognized Smith, Nichols and Waller for their kindness above and beyond for a resident not only suffering a medical emergency, but dealing with an emotional impact as well.

The final award was perhaps the most intense, because of the circumstances behind it. Lanning explained that the Distinguished Firefighter Award for Meritorious Conduct nominations must come from a member of the command staff, and requires demonstration of a high level of service to the community.

On May 10, 2024, the department responded to what was initially dispatched as a structure fire.

“On arrival, a neighbor came running out and told us she had the female victim, who had been stabbed and burned, in her shower and the male suspect had run back into the house,” said Lanning. The structure was already 50 percent involved, he said, and there was no time to drop back. He and his team entered the home and while his team worked to control the fire, he himself conducted a preliminary search. He found no one else in the house.

Mutual aid arrived to help with the fire, and Lanning was in the back yard with another officer when they saw the man lying in the back yard. The man had been injured with what appeared to be self-inflicted knife wounds, but he surprised both firefighters and law enforcement on the scene when he stood up.

Deputies from the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office had to Taser the suspect numerous times before they were able to take him into custody.

Lanning said he and his team could have waited, but they made the decision to proceed regardless.

“We were determined to try to save as much of this home for this victim as we could,” he said. “This was a horrible situation and she was so seriously injured, and we just wanted to save what we could for her.” He added that he didn’t want the suspect to get away, either.

Lanning presented, for their willingness to proceed in spite of the clear danger, the Distinguished Firefighter Award to Anderson, Smith and Billy Parrish.

“Without each and every one of you, none of this is possible,” Lanning told his department members. “And I don’t want to leave the families out. We sometimes forget the overwhelming love and support this requires from them, and we appreciate it. When we have nights like this, my wife sees the commitment and the connections and I think understands even more, why we do what we do.”

He also thanked the town’s board of aldermen for unwavering support. Mayor Jonathan Willams was at the wash down and push back ceremony but unable to stay for the banquet, but aldermen Steve Miller and Pat Sledge and Town Manager Peter Franzese participated in the entire evening.

“It’s all about team work, not just for the fire department but for the town as a whole,” said Franzese. “It’s amazing that we have so much to celebrate, including a new engine that has been a long time in coming.” He said the motto on the side of the fire truck, “preserving the past, protecting the future” captures what the fire department and the town as a whole works to do.

“It includes protecting thee historic properties in our community as well as preparing for our future and the growth that is coming,” he said.

“Our department is one of the best in the county,” said Lanning. “That’s a testament to the dedication and work ethic of everyone here. We are part of something much greater than each of us individually, and you all continue to inspire me every day.”