One of the founding members of the Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Department got a little extra recognition for his hard work and dedication on Saturday. At the volunteer department’s annual firefighter appreciation party, Captain Pat O’Hern was awarded the Golden Axe Award, given to the member who has gone above and beyond their duty over the past year. O’Hern is one of four firefighters with at least 30 years of service, but BUG Fire Chief Curt Vandertie says that is not slowing him down.
The BUG Fire Department recognized 14 firefighters with at least 15 years of service including 35-year veterans Mark DeKeyser and Jim Wautier. Vandertie says he was also proud to officially welcome seven new members that have joined the department over the last year.
Picture courtesy of Curt Vandertie, pictured with Wautier (Left) and O'Hern (Center)
