Awards Announced At Annual Chiefs' Dinner

10 October 2003

The annual Chiefs' Dinner, hosted by the Monroe County Fire Chiefs' Association, was held on Friday, October 10th., 2003, at Hawk's Cay Resort on Duck Key. The dinner was served buffet style and featured beef, chicken, and seafood entrees. The event was attended by numerous local dignitaries, including County Commissioner David Rice. More than two dozen Sugarloaf Fire Rescue personnel and their guests attended. This was the explore post's first banquet.

Sugarloaf Chief Mike Bowden announced that Chris Boveda had been selected as the 2003 Explorer of Year. Chris was selected based on his consistently excellent work and contributions to the department. Chris is mature beyond his years and as worked hard throughout the year for the department. He has also availed himself of all the training opportunities offered him and has completed both his First Responder and Fire Fighter I certifications.

Chief Bowden also announced that the department had selected Monroe County Fire Fighter/Paramedic Bill Horcheck as its Career Fire Fighter of the Year. In addition to being a well-trained and capable fire fighter, Bill is a skilled Paramedic and he has always made himself available for training with the department and is universally liked and respected by the department's members. Chief Bowden also announced that the department had selected FF/EMT John Parken as its Volunteer Fire Fighter of the Year for 2003, citing his contributions to the department and training during the year.

Written By: John Parken

Photos By: Brent Nelson