(3/13) The Fairfield Fire & EMS presented their 2012 recognition awards March 9 at their annual banquet held at the fire house in Fairfield Borough.

More than 200 attendees packed the meeting hall-turned banquet room, including state Representative Dan Moul, county commissioners Jim Martin and Marty Qually, Fairfield Borough Mayor Robert Stanley and Carroll Valley Borough Mayor Ronald Harris, as well as a number of other dignitaries, and area police officers.

Fairfield Fire & EMS firefighters, which provides coverage to the boroughs of Fairfield and Carroll Valley, and Hamiltonban, Liberty, and Highland townships, responded to 144 calls in 2012.

The Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to firefighter Bill Jacobs at the awards banquet, whom, Chief Kevin Koons state "has been there to whatever has to be done," including driving the company apparatus and standing-by for ambulance duties.

The Chief's Award was presented to firefighter Dave Milstein, who serves as the company‘s policies and grants writer.

Five firefighters were recognized for the number of times they responded to emergency incidences during 2012.

Leading the charge was firefighter Bill Jacobs, who responded to 161 fire calls in 2012. Adam Jacobs was the second highest responder, with 100 incident responses.

The next three highest responders were Brad Hardigan, with 93 responses, James Moe, with 74 responses, and Jesse Sanders, with 70 responses.

The top three fire police responders were also recognized during the event.

Fire Police Captain Chuck Schussler topped the list with 105 responses, followed by Roger Miller with 65 responses. 'A.J.' Aldrich was credited with 54 responses.

Training recognition awards were presented to five individuals in the company.

The member garnering the most training time in 2012 was Bill Jacobs, who completed 268 hours of emergency medical and firefighting training. Runners-up included Adam Jacobs with 211 hours, James Moe with 207 hours, and Zach Sites with 192 hours.

The EMS side of the company responded to 765 calls in 2012.

Top ambulance responders included Chad Fogle with 190 calls, Neil Abrams with 153 calls, Bill Jacobs with 137 calls, Derrick Martin with 81 calls, and Bret Smith with 70 calls.

Fogle also received the Captain’s Award for 2012.

Fairfield Fire & EMS President Robert A. Fitez, Sr., presented the opening remarks at the awards ceremony portion of the banquet, followed by the invocation offered by Chaplain Walter M. Barlow.

The banquet was catered by Taverna 5450, Carroll Valley Borough, owned and operated by Nick and LaShay Kalathas.