(2/1) At its annual award and recognition ceremony January 8, the Vigilant Hose Company (VHC) paid tribute to members for their dedication and service to the community.

The Member of the Year Award was presented to Matt Boyd for continually exemplifying an enthusiasm for service and putting it above everything else. Boyd's eager approach to new tasks and continuous skill building is clearly integrated into him as this marked Boyd’s second time receiving the award.

As a firefighter, Boyd said he values the ability to help people who are having a bad day.

With a whole family members involved in Vigilant, it was only natural Boyd had grown up around the company and has been a member for about seven years. been with the company for about seven years and not only has grown up around the department as a second family but has multiple family members in it as well.

"It’s a great group of people, we all support each other like a family," he said. "We are very proud of him," his mother and VHC Treasurer Jo Ann Boyd said, noting his father Bill Boyd received the recognition in 2012.

This year’s President’s Award was presented to Josh Brotherton. A member for over a decade, Brotherton was recognized for having rapidly taken on several leadership roles in the organization in support of both the operational and administrative functions. According to VHC President Thomas Ward, "Both younger and senior members look to him (Brotherton) as a role model for his calm, cool demeanor and continually expanding knowledge base that he devoutly shares with others to improve their own skill set. He is always ready to support another member and showcases sincere devotion to the company."

Although not an award for heroism, the Chief’s Award is given to an individual who selflessly supports of the Chief, the department, and the community. This year ire Police Captain Jim Barto was the recipient for his tireless efforts for building the knowledge skills and abilities of those that protect company members on the scene of incidents. In presenting the award, Chief Umbrel said Barto "had taken on this task like no other. With regular monthly training, establishing policy’s adopted at the county level and has committed himself to the business of public safety."

VHC’s highest honor, the Hall of Fame Award was presented to Frank Rauschenberg for his lasting contributions to VHC, the community, and the region. Over the years, Frank, a Life Time member of the company, has served in multiple leadership positions, including President and Vice President of the Company.

Upon receipt of the award, Chief Umbrel informed Rauschenberg that tradition required him now to purchase a case of ‘really good’ beer to all living Hall of Fame Members, which a broadly smiling Rauschenberg agreed to do to the cheers of the Company members.

Length of service awards where also awarded, with Herbert Click receiving his for 45 years of service; Larry Glass for 50 years; Michael Orndorff and Roland Sanders for 55 years, and last but certainly not least, Tom Hoke for his over 80 years of service to the company.