On Friday evening, Feb. 3, the Smithfield Vol. Fire Department hosted its annual awards banquet at the Smithfield Center in downtown Smithfield. The officers would like to extend a thank you to the members and their families for the support and dedication throughout the year as they provide an invaluable emergency service to the citizens and visitors of the Town of Smithfield and the County of Isle of Wight. Below are the award winners and a short description of the awards earned.

2016 Firefighter of the Year----- Firefighter/Engineer Cody Hassell

Fire Chiefs Awards---Captain Jeff Smith, Lieutenant Charles Kempton, Firefighter Joe Schneider, I.O.W. Co./#50 FF Brain Sanzo

Honorable Service Award--- Assistant Chief Chris Edwards

Commendation Award---Firefighter/Engineer Brian Singles; Training Props/Special Projects

Community Service Award--Firefighter/Engineer Frank Vaerewyck; Fire Prevention and Education

Life Saving Medal--FF Justin Bailus, FF Jay Koepke, FF Will Collins, FF Nick Crumpler; May 2016 life save involving pt. in full cardiac arrest, pt. was revived and made a full recovery, Pt. and family were present at ceremony and presented awards to the SVFD

Medal of Merit---Lt. Jason Callis, FF/Engineer Cody Hassell, FF John Parker, FF Ryan Smith; Hurricane Matthews Assistance in North Carolina

FCaptain Jack S. Finley Training Award---Training officer Captain Jason Koepke; Excellence in training and promoting the SVFD through training

Unit Citation---Multiple Members; January 2016 Mutual Aid fire assistance to Surry County for the Edwards Ham Complex Fire