On April 23rd, the City of Crandall held it’s annual Employee Recognition Banquet at the Barbara Walker Elementary School Cafeteria. There were many awards presented to various City workers for outstanding service. There were several awards presented to members of the Crandall VFD, but if it were up to me, everyone would get an award based just on the fact that they put their life on the line on EVERY call and do it for nothing!
Members of the CVFD voted Sean Blair as Firefighter of the Year 2009. This award signifies that the membership voted for the firefighter who has exhibited dedication above and beyond the call of duty. Sean holds a full-time job, goes to school 2 nights a week, and is a Lieutenant here at the CVFD. Along with his wife Jamie, daughters Madison and Allison, and future firefighter son Grant, Sean manages to give 100% to the department on every call he makes or training events. Congratulations to Sean Blair!
There are a few people who do many things “behind the scenes” that assist me in running the department. These are the “un-sung” heroes that do not get the recognition they deserve but work very hard to keep the day-to-day operations going. Special Recognition Awards were given to 3 such people who fit this mold to a “T”. Captain Grant Cousins, Secretary/Treasurer/Chaplain Denny Mackey and his Executive Assistant Tracy Allen (Sweet Tracy as she is known) have contributed countless hours on behalf of the Department that nobody really notices. Thanks to these outstanding individuals!
Lastly, the CVFD recognized Assistant Chief Allen Cousins for 30 years of Service. No—that is not a typo error! Thirty years of dedicated service to the citizens of Crandall and the CVFD! Allen has watched this department grow from a few borrowed trucks that hardly ran, to one of the best volunteer departments in East Texas. If I had to choose just one word to describe Allen, it would be INTEGRITY. Whether it is in the business world, the CVFD, or his personal life, Allen, simply put, does the right thing—even if it means working a little harder, spending a little more time, regardless of the situation—Allen stands for what is right and just---and to me---that is INTEGRITY! Congratulations Allen. We look forward to the next 30 years!!
Thanks folks for supporting the Crandall VFD. Keep those prayers coming that the Good Lord will build a hedge of protection around our firefighters (as well as policeman) as we strive to keep our City safe! God Bless all of you!
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