The Green Creek Fire Department celebrated its annual awards banquet on Jan. 18 to honor volunteers for service in 2013. This event was a very special occasion for the Green Creek Fire Department as well as long time firefighter William Page. They are both celebrating 50 years of service to Green Creek community and Polk County.

“William Henry,” as he is called, has served as honorary chief for the last few years, but also has served as chief of the department for many years as well.

William has touched countless lives in his 50 years of service. He was a medical first responder with Polk County before the fire department started its own program in 2008. William served as an ambulance attendant for many years. In 2003 at age 65, he decided to obtain his EMT certification. William said he felt it was vital to continue his service to the community as a first responder.

At that time Polk County EMS made it a requirement for any first responder to be an EMT at the minimum. William served as a first responder for 25 years and is still active with the fire department. He is a lifetime member.

William was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which was sent from Governor Pat McCrory’s Office. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award is one of the highest honors bestowed upon a North Carolina resident for recognition of extraordinary community service.

William was also presented with an award by Polk County Commissioner Keith Holbert, for his many years of dedicated service to the citizens of Polk County.

The following awards were given by the fire department:

Years of Service 

Honorary chief William Page: 50 years of service

Deputy chief James Jolley: 30 years of service

Departmental Awards 

Chad Herman: Firefighter of the year

Jim Torongeau and Coy Painter: Officer(s) of the year

Brent Hoyle: First responder of the year

Tyler Schlabach: Junior firefighter of the year

Crystal Cordell: Most improved firefighter of the year

Brent Hoyle: Most certified training hours

Chief’s award: Jenifer Yoder and Jeremy Gregg

Merlene Page was honored for her 50 years of support to William Henry and the fire department.

Janice Fagan was also honored for her late husband Curtis “Guy” Fagan, who was the first chief of the fire department.

Lionel Gilbert was honored for his years of service to the fire department as a board member.

In 2013, Green Creek Fire Department responded to 340 calls for service totaling 1202.54 manpower hours.

The busiest month was July with 53 calls.

– article submitted 

by Jeremy Gregg