A Look Back to 2008

During the past year, the firemen responded to 52 accidents (two of which were fatalities), 23 fire alarms, 13 reported structure fires (three of which to assist other depts. outside of our protection district), 9 wildland fires, 5 weather-related calls, 3 hazardous materials incidents, 2 vehicle fires, 2 rescue calls, and 1 ems call for a total of 110 calls for service.

During our February election, new officers assumed rank when Lance Blackburn was elected as Captain, Justin Kidd as Lieutenant, Darren Daniels as President, and Sean Lawson as Vice President.  Newly appointed officers were Myrl Baker as Public Relations Officers and Sean also as Safety Officer.  Returning to their offices for another year was Eddie Clark as Chief (32), Edward Clark as Asst. Chief (19), Brian White as Secretary (10), Buddie Delpont as Quartermaster (2), and Tommy Kidd as Board Member (2).

Level 1 certifications obtained during the year included Sean Lawson (Feb. 12), Matt Hamilton (Sept. 14), and Brian Pugh (Sept. 14).  Level 2 certifications were issued to Dougie Adkins (July 3) and Lance Blackburn (July 10).

For consecutive years of service, awards went to Eddie (37), Edward (25), Lonnie Allen (22), Brian White (18), Tommy (17), Darren (14), Kyle Akers (5), and Sean (5).  The Betsy Layne Firefighter of the Year award went to Buddie and the Distinguished Service Award went to Lance. On December 12th, both Myrl and Tony Meade reached milestones by having served their 10th years.  Newer firefighters having reached a years-served accomplishment include, firefighters Nathan Looney (1) and Chase Nelson (2).

Danny Keen and Jace Short joined our dept. in 2008 and the year also saw the returns of Firefighters Myrl Baker and Tony Boyd.  Other firemen leaving at some point throughout the year were Brad Elkins, Tommy Grierson, Cody Click, Waylon Nelson, and Ryan Davis as we wish them luck on their future endeavors.

As we welcome 2009, we don't know what we will have to encounter however one thing for certain is that around the clock, the Betsy Layne firemen will be there for our community.  We will always make every attempt to exemplify the knowledge and training that has been provided to us and apply it to our jobs as firefighters.  We hope through our line officers as well as training instructors that we have taught you (the public) to expect no less. 

Congratulations!!!

Our site did not get its start until mid-2008 and we have had several different firemen in years past that should be commended for their outstanding service and dedication.  You know who you are and you know you're appreciated.  From this point on, however, an individual firefighter will be selected to receive an honorable mention for outstanding work in the year past.  Therefore, the 2008 honor goes to Firefighter Danny Keen (Unit 413). 

Pictured with Firefighters Chase Nelson (middle) and Matt Hamilton (right), Danny joined our explorer's program in February of 2008 and immediately started to make an impact to the department.  Danny will not turn 18 years of age until later this month however he is already very close to reaching the goal of Level 1 certified.

During the past year, Danny accumulated a total of 81 training hours outside of our dept. as he went to mostly all fire schools available to him in order to get his required number of hours.  Those extra hours do not include the other training he also has committed himself to at our station with the other firemen on a weekly basis and the other explorer firemen twice per month.

Danny has the credentials and interest to become a great firefighter at Betsy Layne and we hope he remains as dedicated to serving the community as he is today.  Thanks again, Danny!

Wishing you and yours the very best in 2009 from the Betsy Layne Fire Dept

  On Saturday, December 20th, the firefighters again escorted Santa Claus around the fire district on Engine 2 and, as always, the event was a huge success.  With help this year from Freddie the Firetruck, we hope we made your Christmas one to remember.  It is such an honor to be able to go out each year with Santa and spread the Christmas cheer to area citizens both young and old alike.  

The firemen are pictured here with Betsy Layne resident Golda Boyd.  She and her late husband, Gradis, were unfortunate victims of a fire that destroyed their home over 12 years ago but, through it all, she has remained thankful for the efforts of all firemen who were there that day.  

Since then, new firefighters have arrived and some other ones are now gone but for those of us who were here to remember that terrible day, it brings a tear to our eyes when we all get a chance to spend time each year with Golda.  She has since lost her husband due to illness but her warm, caring smile and generosity still remain and is a welcomed sight we continue to look forward to seeing each and every year as she has touched so many of our lives.  

May God truly bless Golda, her family, and everyone we serve each day as He watches over and guides us with a protecting hand.   

 WE WANT YOU!

Have you been interested in the fire service and want to volunteer your time? We can help you. We are looking for dedicated individuals to be trained and join our department. We train you and provide all of your equipment. Firefighting is one of the most rewarding things that you can do with your extra time.

Just download and fill out the Firefighter Application and bring it down to one of our training or business meetings on Thursdays or Mondays (see the calendar to get the next date).

One of our firefighters would be more than happy to explain the process and how it all works. It's EASY.

If you have a need to help people & want to do the best for your community, please come join us!  *Serious inquiries only, please*