Annual Fire Department Social has both serious, humorous moments -

Friday December 8th, the New Albany Fire Department held their annual Fire Department Social, and Awards Ceremony. This year was an exceptional year for accomplishments and a year of tragedy, and close calls also. Chief Mark Whiteside said the following to the crowd, which included firefighters, retired, and active, family members, and members of the Board of Aldermen.

“It has been another successful year here at the fire department, we have new members, and retired in the audience. 2023 started out with a fatality in a fire in the city, and I have some video footage of your loved ones doing what they do. Let us look at this footage, and let me explain what you very seldom see, and that is your family member risking their own lives to rescue another.” This was shown, and a huge thank you was given by the chief for their efforts. The chief said the following, “It is not up to us to decide who is to survive, rather our responsibility to give that victim a fighting chance. Which is exactly what your family member that is part of the NAFD team does on each call.”

LT. Eddie Latham, Leading by Example Award Photo: NAFD

The chief went on to congratulate family’s on the births of several new children into the family, and the upcoming births also. The chief also said, “thank you to each person that volunteers their time, and the part time firefighters that assist as needed, without their dedication, the city of New Albany could not maintain the insurance classification we are blessed to have, nor could we accomplish everything we do.”

The awards ceremony was next, and their were many accomplishments throughout the year.

Chief explained, ” the 2023 firefighter of the year goes to Engineer Jonathan Perry. Jonathan is an asset to our city, and has the support of his fellow firefighters for this award.”
Jacob Rainey received the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year for 2023.
LT. Eddie Latham received the 2023 Leading by Example award, which is given to a firefighter that leads day in and day out throughout the year.
LT. Shane Cowsert received the Fire Officer of the Year award.
Retired volunteer firefighter Hollis Brown received the Department Grandfather Award, which is an award given to a retired, or past member of the fire department, that without them, we would not be where we are today.
Captain Justin Howard received his 15 years of service award to the city, and
Jack Whiteside received both his 5 years of service to the city, and the Future Leadership award, which is given to a firefighter that shows the ability, and promise of being the future of the department after those of us in leadership positions retire, move on, or leave the department.

Next came the portion of the awards program that is light hearted and part of the being a member of a close family that has a sense of humor. “Each year our members often do little things that stand out, and deserve to be mentioned.

For instance Ryan Pollard had my gear on recently at a structure fire, and a lot of people thought it was me doing the work in the pictures. I got credit for his actions, and I told Ryan I appreciated what he did in making me look good. Ryan is currently at the fire academy receiving his certification and is still listed as a probationary firefighter until he gains that certification. So, this award was the “Chief” Probie award.

Other awards were given out similar to this, and as usual, if you want to know the back story to these awards, well you will just have to ask the individual recipients.”

Our elected officials were mentioned, and Chief Whiteside had the following to say, “We often have needs, and wants in the FD. Our needs are never overlooked, and our wants are addressed and an attempt is made by our city leadership to provide for them if it is financially possible. We thank our city leadership for their commitment to our success this year.”

NAFD 2023 Social and Awards Ceremony