The Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company recently held its 73rd annual banquet and presented awards.

The top 20 fire and ambulance responders for 1998 were Charles Hamilton, Becky Brown, Jerry Shaw, Bruce Walz, Craig Avery, Dale Lowman, Doug Alexander, Jim Linton, Jim Crum, Ivan Browning, Matt Heard, Bill Lawton, Kenny McDonough, Gene Mellin, Brian Hornick, David Eaves, Don Fleming, Walt Hood Jr., Ricky Stull and Jeff Lowman.

Jim Linton was the top fire responder, and Becky Brown and Charles Hamilton tied for top ambulance responder.

The President and Chief's Award went to the company's entire Ladies Auxiliary. Rookie of the year was Ivan Browning. The Emergency Medical Services rescue person of the year was Jerry Shaw.

All-round EMS volunteer of the year went to Becky Brown. The President's Award went to Ricky Baker and the Chief's Award to Doug Alexander and Bruce Walz.

Length of service awards went to Travis Norwood for 35 years; Doug Alexander and Wayne Esworthy for 30 years; Tom Kipe for 25 years; Linda Brightwell for 20 years; Chris Barritt and Jim Crum for 10 years; Karen Crum, Matt Heard, Dennis Regulinski, Jerry Shaw and Al Siegrist for five years.

The Junior Fire Company top responders were Jeff Lowman, Shannon Esworthy and Jon Holmes. The top training and top fund-raising award went to Bobby Christiansen Jr.

Area businesses and individuals were recognized for their support: Wally's Iron Works; Browning's Towing; Jerry Fouche, representing Richard F. Kline Inc.; Jeff Hyman of Killer Whale.Net; Lee Sachs; and Carole Munsey.

Fire

Mount Airy: Firefighters assisted Frederick County at 4: 49 p.m. Thursday, responding to a fire alarm in the 4000 block of Lomar Drive.

Pub Date: 3/29/99