OVFD banquet honors firefighters
The Olney Volunteer Fire Department held its annual banquet at the Olney Civic Center on Feb. 21, honoring Jason Pack as Firefighter of the Year and Jeff Harvey as Retired Firefighter of the Year. The OVFD also swore in its new officers for the coming year.
OVFD Chief Clint Pulliam lauded Mr. Pack as “one of the most dependable firemen that we have in our department” when naming him Firefighter of the Year.
“This fireman in 2024 made over 75 percent of the fires,” he said. “He saves us many, many times every day. … This guy is always around, always does what he’s supposed to do. He always has everybody’s safety in mind when he’s fighting fires or a wreck or whatever the call is.”
Chief Pulliam said the department will miss the retiring Mr. Harvey, who served 33 years in the volunteer fire department during “some really good times and not so great times.” Chief Pulliam noted that he and Mr. Harvey “stayed on probation more than any other firemen under Chief Jerry Keeter - one of us was always pulling something.”
“We will miss your strong words of encouragement and your desire to get to the fire. Like you always told me, ‘Let’s just get ‘er done.’ We hope you enjoy your retirement. And like we talked about, you may still be called upon to help.”
The OVFD also honored Chaplain Kevin Sullivan, who celebrated 20 years with the department this year.
The new OVFD officer took the oath of office. They are: Chief Clint Pulliam, Assistant Chief Kenley Lane, Assistant Chief Rocky Hickam, Captain Jason Pack, Captain John Schneider, Lt. Homer Molina, Lt. Justin Calhoun, Secretary Matthew Ickert, Chaplain Kevin Sullivan, and Mascot Kameron Betts.
“Each achievement is a testament to the hard work, skill, and spirit of teamwork that you embody each and every day,” Mr. Harvey, who served as Master of Ceremonies, told the group. “We stand together to show our appreciation for your service, whether it’s a new recruit or seasoned veteran, but we want to say thank you for your dedication, your sacrifice and your perseverance.”
Olney Police Chief Dan Birbeck, Mayor Rue Rogers and Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Stennett attended the banquet. Chief Birbeck thanked the firefighters, some of whom donated time and skills to complete the new police station adjacent to the Civic Center.
The banquet, provided by Sonny’s BBQ, ended with a raffle of items donated by local merchants, including Stewart’s Food Store, Archer & Gun Mercantile, Air Tractor, Olney Hardware, Tower Extrusions, Potter’s Pizza in Graham, Lunn Funeral Home, First State Bank, Olney Floral, Interbank, Rogers Drilling and Chuck’s Quick Change.