Polk Township fire company holds annual awards

Instead of donning fire gear and laying out hose like on a fire scene, members of Polk Township fire company got all dressed up and walked the red carpet into the social hall for their annual awards banquet recently.

“We wondered how could we make the banquet special. Derrick Burger said let’s make it a theme,” said outgoing president Matt Schessler. “Welcome to Polk’s Academy Awards. Walk the red carpet and feel like a star.”

Gold star balloons, a photo booth, mini golden statues, centerpieces with movie reels and ticket stubs amid the red and white carnations, and a PowerPoint on screen with names of the evening’s celebrities created the ambience.

Indeed, there were stars in attendance. Eric Bailey was a Polk firefighter for seven years, and is a war veteran, having served in the Marine Corps and Army.

He recently moved with his mom to North Carolina, where he joined Boomer Fire Department. He worked 25 Polk fire department events in 2017 before moving away.

“We’re so glad you joined us tonight. It means a lot to us,” Schessler said.

Incoming President Burger was named Firefighter of the Year.

“I think Derrick will take the fire company to the next level in 2018,” Schessler said.

Burger said he grew up in the firehouse and is continuing a family tradition. He recalled sleeping under the tables or in the firetrucks when he was a child.

Four other firefighters received special recognition. Rick Sherer was honored for 20 years of service; Aaron Keller for 25 years; and Bill Thompson for 30 years. Dillon Kingsbury was honored as an apprentice firefighter.

Another star of the evening was Rebecca Tippett, who spearheads the special events committee and received the Member of the Year award.

In a long evening gown with silky black wrap, she mingled with guests, sold raffle tickets and ensured the event was running smoothly.

Schessler praised her committee for the behind the scenes work that went into planning the night’s festivities, including decorating the fire hall and making gift bags for those being honored.

Fire chief Billy Tippett was another shining star, but he turned the spotlight on others, including his wife, Rebecca, his fellow firefighters, executive officers, and his parents, especially his father, Bill.

“My dad served as assistant chief and president. I grew up here in the firehouse and joined at 14,” Billy Tippett said.

Billy and Rebecca Tippett have two young children, who are also growing up at the firehouse. He thanked his parents for watching the kids, so he and Rebecca can go to work or complete tasks at the firehouse or on a fire call.

“2017 was a busy year for us. We kept things moving at the forefront,” Billy Tippett said.

He noted that they had 202 calls, there are 28 active members, and four members completed the State Certified Firefighter 1. Through an LSA grant they purchased more than 12,000 feet of fire hose, extrication tools and seven nozzles.

Tippett thanked state Rep. Jack Rader for helping them obtain the grant.

He also praised the professional relationship they have with Polk Township Supervisors Brian Ahner, Carl Heckman and Mike Hurley, along with their office staff, who were in attendance. The supervisors also helped them obtain the LSA grant through letter-writing initiatives.

The Ladies Auxiliary received an abundance of applause when President Edna Schoenberger presented a check for $18,000 to Burger. The money represents profits from banquets, filling sales, and other fundraisers.

The other 2018 Ladies Auxiliary officers are Shirley Haydt, vice president; Sue Shoemaker, secretary; Vicki Serfass, corresponding secretary; and Gail Anders, treasurer.

Following dinner and the awards, comedians John Kensil and Michael Baldwin, better known as The Legendary Wid, entertained the audience with jokes, stories and storage totes full of props.

The night ended with a slideshow of photos compiled by Bryan Beck. It contained highlights from the year, including fire scenes, training, bingo, breakfasts, Santa’s visit and apparatus.

The fire company is accepting applications for new members. Please contact the firehouse at 610-681-4370.