DEWEY — The Dewey Fire Department has won the Cherokee Nation’s 2009 Fire Department of the Year award, Fire Chief Tom Smith told the Examiner-Enterprise this week.
Additionally, DFD Lt. James Smith has earned the Cherokee Nation’s Firefighter of the Year award, Smith said.
“One of our firemen, Lt. James Smith, also received the firefighter of the year award for region 8,” Smith said. “He also received the first ever heroism award.”
According to the Cherokee Nation, the tribe honored 124 volunteer fire departments located within the tribe’s jurisdiction on Tuesday at its Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa.
The dinner and awards banquet was to “honor rural volunteer firefighters for their service.” The Nation gave out $305,000 to departments across the tribe’s 14-county area in Northeastern Oklahoma, including $2,462 to be used for equipment to each rural fire department.Dewey Firefighter Heroism Award 2009
Smith said Dewey’s awards were presented by Cherokee Chief Chad Smith and Deputy Chief Joe Grayson Jr.
“It was quite an honor,” Smith said.
Additionally, the Dewey Fire Department was presented with $2,500 from the tribe.
“I am very proud of our fire department,” said Dewey City Manager Nick Brown. “We all have a great respect for their quality of work and willingness to volunteer for their community.”