Appreciation dinner pays tribute to volunteer firefighters

The seventh annual Volunteer Firefighters Appreciation Dinner was well attended Monday, with special recognitions, a barbecue dinner served to about 300 guests and door prizes given away to volunteer firefighters and guests.

Sequoyah County District 3 Commissioner Jim Rogers, who emceed the event, said the dinner with door prizes and special awards is held annually to honor all rural volunteer firefighters.

“We had a great turnout this year. The food was good. We love this opportunity to do this once a year to honor the volunteer firefighters who are so deserving. It’s such a tremendous attribute to our county. I didn’t realize how valuable they were until I became a commissioner,” Rogers said. “Next year, we may have to find a bigger room.”

Rogers began the evening by thanking and recognizing all sponsors who made the meal and prizes possible. Sponsors included Gary Don Cullum, Local Bank, Agent-Martin Mallory Funeral Home, Zzoom Bail Bonds, Tru Rentals, Ideal Storage Sheds, Firstar Bank, National Bank, Pafford Ambulance Service, Kenyatta Wright, Victory Gun & Pawn, Armstrong Bank, McDonald’s and Premier home health.

Taking part in the program were Eric Patton and Boy Scouts Troop 731, who led the Pledge of Allegiance and the flag presentation.

U.S and state representatives paid tribute to the late Bobby Dean Caughman, who served as a volunteer for the Brushy Volunteer Fire Department for more than 30 years. Caughman was represented by his wife, Brenda, and their children and grandchildren.

Representatives for Congressman MarkWayne Mullins (Lacee Pittman), Senator Warren Hamilton from District 7, Senator Tom Woods and Congressman Josh Brecheen’s office (Josh Hildabrand) read and presented citation letters to Caughman’s family for his 33 years of service to the Brushy Fire Department.

Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner presented a commemorative rifle — a Henry Lever Action 22 Firefighters Edition — to the Caughman family, engraved with “Bobby Dean Caughman for 33 years of service” on the rifle, as well as speaking words of appreciation for Caughman’s service to the Brushy community.

Charles Holmes and Dwight Keen, volunteer firefighters with Liberty Fire Department, were honored with special rifles for their service of more than 40 years. Keen said both he and Holmes began work on the same day.

Following the meal, a recognition service and posting of the flags, guns and rifles and other prizes were given away to the firefighters and guests.