The Tarkington Volunteer Fire Department recognized the dedication and service of its firefighters during its annual awards banquet Saturday, Jan. 3, held at Beasley’s Bit and Bridal in Tarkington.
Fire Chief Paul Gregory opened the evening by reflecting on the commitment required of volunteer firefighters and the sacrifices made throughout the year.
“Tonight, we gather to recognize the dedication, service and commitment of the men and women who serve this department,” Gregory said. “It has been a year filled with long nights, early mornings, missed meals, interrupted holidays and countless calls answered by volunteers who show up when this community needs them most.”
Gregory also took time to reflect on the department’s history and the legacy left by his late father, Dalton Gregory Sr., who was affectionately known within the department as “Daddy D” and served as the longest-serving fire chief in the department’s history.
“Tonight isn’t just about awards. It’s about history, tradition, and the people who make the Tarkington Volunteer Fire Department what it is,” Gregory said.
He recalled department Christmas parties held years ago at his parents’ home, when he was still a young boy.
“I don’t remember every detail from those nights, but I remember the feeling — family, pride and being a part of something bigger than ourselves,” Gregory said. “That same feeling is still here tonight.”
Before awards were presented, firefighters and their guests viewed an end-of-the-year video prepared by TVFD Public Information Officer Clayton Eustler.
“Thank you, Clayton, for capturing the moments that truly reflect who this department is — showing up, answering the call and taking care of one another,” Gregory said. “I want everyone in this room to know how proud I am of you and of this department.”
Gregory noted that during the past year, the department responded to more than 1,000 calls.
“Behind that number are countless hours of service, missed time with family and a commitment to doing the job the right way,” he said.
Several awards were presented throughout the evening, though not all recipients were able to attend due to major life events.
Charles Griswold was inducted into the department’s Hall of Honor, which was established in 2000 to recognize individuals who have set the standard for service and commitment within the department.
A number of lighthearted awards were also presented. The Stuck Award, given to a member who proves “beyond all doubt” that obstacles such as mud, ditches and gravity remain undefeated, was presented to Steven Connor.
“This is not ‘a little stuck,’” Gregory joked. “This award is given when the solution involves a dozer, a tractor, a wrecker or someone saying, ‘Yeah, we’re gonna need something bigger.’”
The SCBA vs. Vehicle Award went to Justin Gardner after he accidentally ran over his self-contained breathing apparatus with a fire truck.
Cauy Connor received the Slowest Two-Minute Drill Award. Gregory explained that a two-minute drill requires firefighters to be geared up and ready to respond within two minutes.
“This firefighter treated the two-minute drill more like a suggestion,” Gregory said. “Gear was found. Straps were adjusted, life choices were reconsidered, and eventually they made it to the truck.”
On a more serious note, the Chief’s Award was presented to Tammy Fiero, who was not in attendance.
“This award is selected by me and may be given to a department member or community supporter — someone who consistently shows up and helps to make this department better,” Gregory said. “The individual receiving this award has dedicated more than 10 years of service, showing up every September, year after year, and continuing to support this department in ways often unseen but deeply felt.”
The Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to Isaiah Hostler.
“The Firefighter of the Year Award is given to a firefighter who came ready to work, ready to learn and someone who managed to ask only 47,000 questions instead of the usual 52,000,” Gregory said.
Firefighters selected Gregory as Officer of the Year.
“I’m humbled to receive this recognition,” Gregory said. “What I do every day is simply the job you asked me to do. At the start of the year, I said I wanted us to be an impactful department, and to achieve that, I have to be an impactful chief — making sure each of you has the tools, training and support to succeed.”
He added, “This isn’t about me — it’s about all of us. Every call, every late night, every early morning — it’s your dedication that makes this department what it is. I’m just here to help us be our best.”
The evening concluded with a brief keynote address from Forney Police Chief John Holcomb, who encouraged firefighters to continue their commitment to service and community.