Walnut Hill Fire Honors Firemen, Community Members During Fish Fry

November 7, 2010

The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department honored members of the community and the department during their annual fish fry Saturday.

The Officer of the Year Award was presented to Diann Stewart, who has given “a lot of blood, sweat and tears to the department and stayed in the department while taking care of her family in an exceptional way,” according to District Chief Chris Brown.

Gerry Steege was named Firefighter of the Year, an award chosen by his peers.

Founding members Vern Peters and Bob Mininger were recognized for their part in forming the fire department in 1965.

Saturday’s fish fry marked the 41st annual event for the department, with 613 fish and chicken plates sold.

The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department also presented their annual Community Service Award to NorthEscambia.com for service to the Walnut Hill community and the department.

For more photos, click here.

Pictured top: Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department firefighter Chad Rigby breads catfish Saturday morning during the department’s annual catfish fry. Picture inset: Diann Stewart was named Officer of the Year. Pictured below: Gerry Streege was named Firefighter of the Year. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

8 Responses to “Walnut Hill Fire Honors Firemen, Community Members During Fish Fry”

  1. Horrific! on November 8th, 2010 2:30 pm

    Congrats Gerry,

    He was out cooking when i entered the building……he was very nice to me
    as was everyone there. It was so nice to have something like that in
    walnut hill, to bad there are not more of those types of get togethers.
    All the children there were so well behaved and I had a wonderful time
    and the food was to die for…..I feel for those who didn’t come.

  2. interested reader on November 8th, 2010 1:50 pm

    Congrats to Dianne and Gerry. The plates were delicious, and so generously full. Thank you, Walnut Hill Fire Dept. for being here when our community needs you.

  3. dick tracy on November 7th, 2010 11:33 am

    Great pic of “Spanky Jr”!!! Congrats to the firemen! William, can we get an update on the blood drive & condition of Dep Cassidy? Thx!

  4. Citizen on November 7th, 2010 9:48 am

    Well deserved Mrs. Diann. We love you and Mr. Robert!

  5. Sudie on November 7th, 2010 7:34 am

    Gerry,
    We are very proud of you for winning firefighter of the year!!!!!! We Love You!!!!

    Dad, Mom, and Tabitha

  6. Diana on November 7th, 2010 6:00 am

    One of the greatest fire departments Escambia County, Florida has!!! These men and women work hard every day to support the citizens of their community and are always there when you need them no matter the time of the day or night. They are well trained and very professional individuals. The community should be very proud of their “Volunteer Department.” I have had many opportunities to work with these individuals and grateful that they are always there to lend a helping hand to us in EMS.

  7. stephen on November 7th, 2010 1:36 am

    great group of people, Ms. Diane is a blessing as they all are.

  8. Connie Lewis on November 7th, 2010 1:12 am

    Congratulations Gerry!