Banquet attendees look on as volunteer chief combs presents the years events and some interesting statistics about volunteer participation in the county.   (Photo by: Jerome Johnson)

BRUNSWICK, GA - Friday May 4th, 2007 was the date set for the annual volunteer appreciation banquet.  The banquet intended specifically for the recognition and appreciation of the volunteers and what they do for the community.

This years’ banquet and inauguration ceremony was held at the Brunswick Shrine Clubs facility with food being catered by the Altamaha River Rats.

Following a brief period of fellowship the meal was served and presentations begun.

Chief Thomas spoke of the departments activities over the last year, sighting run volumes, property responded too verses property loss, as well as many other annual statistics.

Volunteers present at the 2007 banquet (standing l-r) Casey Ross, Bill Mason, Connor McHale, R. J. Fernandes, Josh Bain, Jo Mason, Bruce Dunham, Karen Howard, doc Carroll, Diane Walters, Jay Putnam, Aimee Combs, Hayward Johnson, Yvonne johns, Bobby Putnam, Brandy Putnam, Chad Everett, Mike Hendley, Robert Talley, (kneeling l-r) Tony Karwacki, Eli Jones, Vinnie Do, and Joe Combs.   (Photo by: Jerome Johnson)

Volunteer Chief Combs presented some interesting points of interest, stemming from the dollars saved for each volunteer to the amount of donation that each volunteer makes in order to respond to calls when needed.

Commissioner Don Hogan spoke briefly addressing the volunteers and expressing gratitude for the job they do.

Following the presentations by the Chiefs and Commissioners the awards ceremony began.  Out going officers received plaques for their service and all volunteers received certificates of appreciation for service performed.

Two such certificates presented where to Jo Mason for thirty years of service as a volunteer and Bill Mason for thirty-five years of service as a volunteer firefighter.  These two people embody the ideals of volunteerism.

In closing, the new volunteer officers took the oath of office as lead by Commissioner Don Hogan.