Walnut Hill Fire Honors Firemen, Community Members During Fish Fry

November 6, 2011

The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department honored members of the community and the department during their 42nd annual fish fry Saturday.

District Chief Chris Brown said the Walnut Hill Station had responded to 357 calls during the past year in their 200 square mile district with 16 active members.

Chester Jantz received the department’s community service award for hosting the annual Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo at his catfish pond on South Highway 99. The fishing rodeo is provided to the disabled for free as a project of the Pensacola Fiesta of Five Flags organization. [Click here for a May story about this year's fishing rodeo.]

Jeffrey Huber was recognized as firefighter of the year, an award chosen by his peers. Kevin Mininger was named officer of the year. Arthur Levins was also recognized for 30 years of service to the department on Saturday, his 50th birthday, with a gift, cake and a letter from Gov. Rick Scott.

The department also recognized Robbie Whitfield for providing over 7,200 training hours for station members.

A  blood drive during the fish fry collected 25 units of blood, according to Sarah Noel of Northwest Florida Blood Services. She said 110 units of blood were collected during drives at the Walnut Hill fire department during the year, up from last year. The next blood drive at the Walnut Hill Fire Station will be 8 a.m. until noon on January 12.

For more photos, click to enlarge.

Pictured top: Kevin Mininger (left) was honored as officer of the year Saturday by the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department. Pictured inset and below: Hundreds enjoyed the department’s annual fish fry. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

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

  1. Char on November 9th, 2011 11:08 am

    I forgot this year and that will not happen again.
    Congratulations to all and thank you so much for all that you do in this town
    and the entire escambia county community.

  2. Larry Walker on November 7th, 2011 2:38 pm

    Congrats to the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Fighters. What would the community do without them! VFFs and those who back them up are heroes of the community.

  3. Rene Bunch on November 7th, 2011 8:51 am

    We are proud of all these guys because many of them work full-time jobs in addition to their service at the Fire Department.
    Gerry, Way to go, we’re especially proud of you!!

  4. JSCS on November 6th, 2011 9:01 pm

    THANKS to all who made this fish fry a success! We are so blessed to have the WHVFD standing by to help all who may need them. God provided a beautiful day, lots and lots of great food and willing (and able) hands to prepare it. Oh, also plenty of eager eaters. May God’s protection be with the fire dept. everytime they answer a call.

  5. Michelle on November 6th, 2011 6:48 pm

    Please continue helping the Fire Dept, by buying Duracell, money will be given back to these brave souls. Thank you all.

  6. 429SCJ on November 6th, 2011 9:38 am

    Saturday was a great time, the day just flew, by.

  7. Aaron on November 6th, 2011 7:56 am

    Great food and people.

    THANKS TO ALL!!!

  8. Julia W. on November 6th, 2011 1:54 am

    Great Going Walnut Hill!!!!!!! 42 years that is something to be proud of. I hope you all have even greater success next year.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News