Leadership through fire, flooding and accidents led to Unadilla fire chief Jeff Jones being recognized as firefighter of the year, an Otsego County official said Sunday.
Jones was among volunteers honored at the Otsego County Volunteer Fireman's Association convention banquet in Edmeston on Friday night, said Lyle ``Butch'' Jones, emergency services coordinator.
Jeff Jones was nominated by his department because of leadership shown during the Flood of 2006, plus many devoted hours afterward, the county coordinator said.
``He's well-respected in his department and in the area,'' Lyle Jones said.
Jeff Jones said he was ``very surprised'' to receive the award, which includes the letter of nomination and a trophy. His wife, Michelle, was at the convention dinner, he said, and organizers arranged for his four children _ Megan, 20, Jeffrey, 16, Jacob, 13, and Jared, 10 _ to make a surprise appearance for the awards presentation. Jones said he isn't related to Lyle Jones.
The Unadilla chief said 15 of the 25 department members are very active, but more members are needed. Jones said he will never forget the Flood of 2006 and its washout of a culvert on Interstate 88 that resulted in two deaths. Calls for help came in for days after the flooding, he said, and the response and experiences intensified the fire department's sense of family.
``I can't be a good chief without them,'' Jones said Sunday night. Unadilla residents also provided valuable help during the flood and recovery, he said.
Jones, a machinist at Amphenol, said he is serving a second term as Unadilla chief and has been a firefighter for 30 years. Recognition as firefighter of the year is ``unbelievable,'' he said.
About 150 people attended the banquet at Edmeston Central School, Lyle Jones said. The Edmeston Fire Department was host of the association's convention.
Association officials said others recognized were:
Rich Kenyon, Schenevus firefighter, honored with the Gary Goodier Award, for training and mentoring.
Marjorie McMorris as auxiliary member of the year. McMorris, a retired Otego Elementary School teacher, has held many officer posts in the Otego Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary during her 45-year membership. The recognition was a surprise, she said Sunday.
``It's a great honor,'' she said. ``You do, and you don't expect to be thanked like that.''
Thomas Washburn, 15, citizen of the year, who helps Edmeston firefighters with tasks at the station and also helps residents.
Ted Lamb of the Cooperstown Fire Department and Warren Belden of the West Edmeston department for 50-plus years of volunteering; they were honored by the state and by the Central New York Fireman's Association.
At the banquet, John Parker spoke about the history of the Edmeston area and the plight of departments today striving to recruit and retain members, Lyle Jones said.
Also last week, the Edmeston Fire Department held field days, featuring a parade and carnival, in the town from Thursday until Saturday.
Lyle Jones said each department submitted nominations for awards, and a panel reviewed and chose recipients.
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