EUTAWVILLE – The young and the young-at-heart came together at the Eutawville Volunteer Fire Department’s annual Christmas banquet Dec. 9 to celebrate a cumulative 277 years of service by the station’s 22 men and women who risk life and limb every day to protect the life and property of their neighbors in the Eutawville Fire District.

From seasoned veterans, such as Firefighter Ray Smith, who has 41 years with the department, to relative newcomer William Rutledge, who just joined this year, Eutawville’s current team of firefighters combines tested experience and fresh enthusiasm.

And, it was one of the newer recruits, Firefighter James Nutt, who was awarded the honor of being named Eutawville’s Firefighter of the Year 2008 on Dec. 16. Nutt has been with the department almost three years.

The award is based on his peers’ evaluation of his performance and participation throughout the year and is voted on by all members of the team. Winning the award enters Nutt into the running for the 2008 Orangeburg County Firefighter of the Year.

Nutt, who said the award represented a collaborative effort, added, “I’ve learned from the best.”

“We all work together. We all deserve it,” he said.

Fire Chief Jim Logan said he was grateful for the opportunity to lead such a dedicated group.

“I’m proud of this team and what they’ve done,” Logan said.

Making a determined effort to stand at the podium as he addressed his department, Logan was only recently able to return to active part-time duty following recuperation from a debilitating stroke in August.

“They might even have done better on their own than when I could always be there,” Logan said. “Of course, they know I’m always listening and might pop around the corner at any minute to check on them.”

Eutawville’s volunteers protect an area of more than 83 square miles, the largest of the 23 fire districts in the county, the chief said.

“This station has answered 83 first-responder calls and 253 fire calls already this year. That’s 336 times these folks have rolled out of bed or gotten up from supper to answer a call. We owe these fellows and girls a big debt of gratitude,” Logan said.

“It takes special people to do what you do,” said Johnnie L. Wright Sr., District 1 Orangeburg County Councilman. “The county really appreciates you young men and ladies who give your time and effort without pay.”

“I’m always bragging on the Eutawville volunteers,” Orangeburg District 1 Fire Commissioner Jean Davis Capers said.

But nothing said a more eloquent thanks than the long table loaded with food prepared by Firefighter Jeremiah Gathers’ sister, Mary Mitchum, and her catering staff.

The grand finale was provided by the arrival of Santa Claus in the form of a red-suited and bearded Town Councilman Roger Adkins, much to the children’s delight. The next generation of firefighters sat on his knee, whispered Christmas wishes in his ear and gleefully ripped open gifts.

Cherrie Smith, 90, mother to Firefighter Ray Smith, also perched on Santa’s knee.

“I’ve been very good this year,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “All I want, though, is to say thanks to all the volunteer firefighters for all their heroic efforts this year and to wish them another great year to come.”

Members of the Eutawville Fire District are: Firefighter Harry Brown, Station Master Jack Bunch,

Firefighter Charles Crocker, Firefighter Jeremiah Gathers, Firefighter Wes Griffin, Firefighter Ashley Hritz, Lt. Mike Hritz, Firefighter Norman Hritz, Firefighter Ruth Ann Hritz, Firefighter Bobby Lee, Fire Chief Jim Logan, Firefighter Cindy Nutt, Firefighter James Nutt, Firefighter William Rutledge, Capt. Stephen Shuler, Firefighter Ray Smith, Firefighter Amanda Weatherford, Firefighter Sean Wiley, Firefighter Bill Williams,

Firefighter April Wolfe, Lt. Teddy Wolfe and Assistant Chief Gary Wolpert. They represent more than 277 years of service.

Individuals or businesses wishing to make donations to the Eutawville Volunteer Fire Department can call 803-492-3944.

T&D Correspondent Diane Gainer can be reached by e-mail at bcdthinktank@yahoo.com.

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