Greetings to all on the Mountain. We at WRES are glad to see the last year close out as we look forward to 2023. In 2022, we ran a record number of calls. Over 400 calls in one year is a lot for our department, and that could possibly be the record number of calls we have received in one year. Not that any of you are more careless, but the population increase in the unincorporated areas of the mountain could explain much of the increase we have experienced.
So, let’s close out 2022 with some good news, and then say good riddance. We were able to stop running calls long enough to enjoy an annual celebration and banquet. This is something our board of directors organizes as an annual thank you to our members. This event is also an opportunity for our leadership team to recognize members for their outstanding accomplishments.
Russ Harwood and Dax Turner both received the Decade Award for 10 years of service to the department. Chief James Hillis selected Patricia Ford for the annual Chief’s Award. Lieutenant Robert Clark was named the winner of the Dr. J.J. Dodd Medical Award. The Captain Sib Evans Leadership Award was earned by Capt. Jody Clift and Capt. Sherman Ford. It is a great honor to receive this award that was named for Capt. Sib Evans. Every year, the membership votes on one member to be named the Volunteer of the Year. This is prestigious because it is an acknowledgement from one’s peers. The 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Patrick Halstead. Congratulations to all award winners!
While being a volunteer in an emergency service is rarely fun and games, there are times when it actually can be! In December, we were asked to host a birthday party and show some kids around the station and introduce them to the service. Happy Birthday, Estella! We enjoyed hosting you and your friends for your special day.
As we continue into winter, please be careful with your open fires and your home heating. Yes, we do get brush fires this time of year despite the wet, chilly weather. And, we also send a reminder that the No. 1 cause of house fires in Tennessee last year was someone leaving a cooking pot on the stove unattended. Yeah, that is a crazy but true statistic, so please be mindful when cooking and do not to leave items on the stove by themselves even for a minute.
We are always looking for volunteers to assist at WRES, so this is your chance to get involved. No, you do not have to be a physically fit young person to make a difference at this volunteer service. With our new station, we need help with record keeping, general maintenance around the station, vehicle maintenance and a host of other “non-emergency” activities that can be done. If you would like to be involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information.
We also invite comments from the residents we serve. You are welcome to call Station One at (423) 886-5974 and leave a message, stop by any Thursday night at 7 p.m. when we hold our weekly drill on Taft Highway or reach out to us through our Facebook page and leave us a message.
So, let’s close out 2022 with some good news, and then say good riddance. We were able to stop running calls long enough to enjoy an annual celebration and banquet. This is something our board of directors organizes as an annual thank you to our members. This event is also an opportunity for our leadership team to recognize members for their outstanding accomplishments.
Russ Harwood and Dax Turner both received the Decade Award for 10 years of service to the department. Chief James Hillis selected Patricia Ford for the annual Chief’s Award. Lieutenant Robert Clark was named the winner of the Dr. J.J. Dodd Medical Award. The Captain Sib Evans Leadership Award was earned by Capt. Jody Clift and Capt. Sherman Ford. It is a great honor to receive this award that was named for Capt. Sib Evans. Every year, the membership votes on one member to be named the Volunteer of the Year. This is prestigious because it is an acknowledgement from one’s peers. The 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Patrick Halstead. Congratulations to all award winners!
While being a volunteer in an emergency service is rarely fun and games, there are times when it actually can be! In December, we were asked to host a birthday party and show some kids around the station and introduce them to the service. Happy Birthday, Estella! We enjoyed hosting you and your friends for your special day.
As we continue into winter, please be careful with your open fires and your home heating. Yes, we do get brush fires this time of year despite the wet, chilly weather. And, we also send a reminder that the No. 1 cause of house fires in Tennessee last year was someone leaving a cooking pot on the stove unattended. Yeah, that is a crazy but true statistic, so please be mindful when cooking and do not to leave items on the stove by themselves even for a minute.
We are always looking for volunteers to assist at WRES, so this is your chance to get involved. No, you do not have to be a physically fit young person to make a difference at this volunteer service. With our new station, we need help with record keeping, general maintenance around the station, vehicle maintenance and a host of other “non-emergency” activities that can be done. If you would like to be involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information.
We also invite comments from the residents we serve. You are welcome to call Station One at (423) 886-5974 and leave a message, stop by any Thursday night at 7 p.m. when we hold our weekly drill on Taft Highway or reach out to us through our Facebook page and leave us a message.