FORT PIERRE - Firefighters, families and employers were honored Saturday night at the Fort Pierre Fire Department's annual steak feed and awards banquet at the Fort Pierre fire hall.
After a social hour and grilling dozens of steaks in the rain, firefighters and their families and bosses gathered in the banquet hall. The awards ceremony was led by the new Fort Pierre fire chief, Joe Meligan.
New members and cadets were recognized by department officers and former chiefs Carl Rathbun and Rick Cronin were also acknowledged for their years of service to the department.
Retiring firefighter Butch Davis gave an emotional farewell, sharing stories of good times he had while on the department.
"In my whole life, I've never had the experience that I've had with the Fort Pierre Fire Department," Davis said. "It's been the greatest experience in the world and I've made more friends here than anywhere else.
Davis also left the younger generation of firefighters with some advice.
"The camaraderie I've found here has been the best experience of my whole life and I want you young guys to do what we did, because we were a family," Davis said.
The "Friend of the Fire Department" award was given to Barry Heiss for his support of the department.
Justin Jones was recognized by the officers of the department with the "Chief's Award." Meligan explained that the officers met to discuss the chief's award and decided that whoever received the honor had to be chosen unanimously by all of the officers.
According to Meligan, Jones was selected because of his dedication to the department.
"This firefighter is always at trainings. He's always at fires. He just always shows up; he does his work; and he never complains. And that's why we picked him," Meligan said before announcing Jones as the winner.
Meligan himself also received a prestigious award from his fellow firefighters, when he was voted Firefighter of the Year, which is voted on by the entire department.
