BURLINGTON - Remembering one of their own with their highest honor, members of the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department celebrated the life and service of the late Rick Smith, as he posthumously earned the Edward Newcomb Memorial Award.

The Newcomb Award commemorates the late Newcomb, a member who gave his best in all he did for the department.

In recognizing Smith, members noted that he excelled in his devotion to the fire department in all areas, giving 100 percent to the department to make it top quality.

As a firefighter, EMT and vice president of the department, Smith gave his tireless dedication to the company.

Susie Smith accepted the award in memory of her husband.

Last year was busy, as members responded to 449 calls for assistance, including 208 ambulance calls, 94 vehicle accidents, 65 fire calls, 35 public service calls, 19 brush fires and eight hazardous materials calls.

Chief Randy Henderson praised the company for its accomplishments in the past year, including a FEMA grant award for the purchase of equipment; the purchase of a parcel adjacent to the station, which is home to a community walking trail; and earning the highest ratings possible for emergency response and care.

For the coming year, the company is looking at a new fire insurance rating with the community's new public water system, increased response times and maintaining, and improving its training and service.

“I personally thank each and every member here for their dedication,” said Henderson, noting that the department's mission statement is to make the company a world class organization and our challenge is to continue and improve.

“We are capable of accomplishing so much," he said. "Let 2008 be the year we shine."

Training is a key element in Burlington maintaining its high standards. In the past year, members spent nearly 2,200 hours in training, including 14 in-house drills on issues of accountability, auto rescue, ladders, hose lays, self contained breathing apparatus, hazardous materials, and ropes.

Individually, members completed fire and emergency medical training with special training in operations, rope rescue, CPR and Emergency Medical Technicians.

Twenty-six members participated in the annual Mineral County Fire School.

All volunteers, Burlington's members completed this training and responded to numerous calls, while maintaining jobs, families and homes.

“It takes everyone to make the success that we have enjoyed,” said Henderson, noting that while not all members make 100 calls, that without each one there could have been a time when a fire unit or ambulance couldn't respond to the call for help. “You make it happen when the alarm sounds.”

Reaching the benchmark of 232 calls this year was Top Responder Tom Simpson.

Henderson said Simpson had the dedication, commitment and desire to be the top responder. Coming out regardless of the time of day, losing sleep and sometimes putting his family second when the tones drop are just few of the sacrifices Simpson made in the call of duty. Simpson was also recognized by the membership as the Fire Officer of the Year.

Other 100 plus call honorees were Todd Turner 218, Garland “Buddy” Ebert 204, Karen Staggs 169, Robert “Herk” Dawson 155, Robert Haggerty 151, Randy Henderson 149, Dale Feaster 144, Roger Brafford II 135, Matt Baker 134, Ralph Webb 133, Jeremy Riggleman 133, Jordan Placka 119, Andy Baker 116 and Toby Simpson 107.

Firefighter of the year honors were shared by Roger Brafford II and Jeremy Riggleman, while Robert “Herk” Dawson and Teresa Brown earned the EMS Awards for consistently providing the highest level in patient care on the ambulance and behind the scenes at the station.

Karen Staggs was recognized as both the Administrative Officer of the Year by the membership and with the President's Award.

Henderson presented his annual Chief's Award to Todd Turner, praising him for his respect, support and leadership.

He also praised each of his officers for their work in making his job a little easier.

When it comes to making life easier, each department depends on its mutual aid companies.

“They are part of the definition of brotherhood. They are our family of fire and EMS,” said Henderson as they department recognized neighboring companies from Fountain, Romney, New Creek and Petersburg.

In special recognition, Leroy Hedrick of Maysville was presented with a fire company jacket for his assistance to the department.

It was the support of all the members and the community that made it possible for the department to burn the note from the 2003 purchase of fire fighting equipment. Together Henderson and President Kenny Delawder conducted the burning.

The evening concluded with a presentation by Daniel Henderson showcasing the year and the membership as well as paying tribute to nine fallen firefighters from Charleston, S.C., and a special memorial to Rick Smith.