The Tryon Fire Department held its annual Ladies Night at the Caro-Mi Restaurant on March 3.
This annual awards banquet brings together current and retired firefighters, local dignitaries, and the various boards (Town Council, Foothills Fire Service Area, Township Fire Commission, Relief Fund) which govern the Tryon Fire Department.
The guest speaker was Chief Frank Burns of the City of Kings Mountain Fire Department. Chief Burns currently serves as President of the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs.
CaLeigh Sauve was recognized for obtaining her EMT certification in 2009, while Christian Miller was recognized for completing the NC Firefighter 2 curriculum.
Eric Freeman received the first Town of Tryon Training Hours Award in recognition of his 240 hours of training in 2009. The department recognized Meg Rogers and Charles and Annette Stafford with service awards in appreciation for their contributions to the department.
Tommy Stott was recognized with a Chiefs Award for his actions at a structure fire in December, while Kim Pack received the other Chiefs Award in appreciation of her services as the departments safety officer and her work with OSHA to ensure the departments full compliance with all applicable standards.
Longtime member Scottie Gosnell was presented with a special BBQ festival award created by the department along with Telecommunicator Blake Arledge.
Yancy Pace was the recipient of the first ever Junior Firefighter of the Year Award, while her father, Assistant Chief Stephen Pace was the recipient of the 2009 Clarence G. Scoggins Firefighter of the Year Award.
Stephen joins Bob Scoggins, Dave Kuether, and Danny Walker as the only firefighters to have received this award in multiple years.
Stephen was the 2006 Firefighter of the Year as well. His accomplishments in receiving this award were recognized by Tryon Town Council at their March 16 meeting.