BARNWELL, Alabama—At its annual supper recently, the Barnwell Volunteer Fire/Rescue Department presented its firefighter of the year award.

The award went to firefighter Lt. Michael Summerville, who has been with the department for three years, according to a department news release yesterday.

During that time he has completed the 160-hour firefighter course conducted by the Alabama Fire College, the release stated.

“Firefighter Summerville’s dedication to the fire service andhis community is recognized by his peers by voting him as Firefighter of the Year,” Chief Roy C. Glenn said in the release. “Please join me in congratulating Lt. Michael Summerville as the Barnwell Volunteer Fire/Rescue Department’s 2011 Firefighter of the Year.”