FOLEY, Ala. — Capt. Thomas D. Kiel was named Foley Fire Department’s “Firefighter of the Year” at the department’s annual banquet held Feb. 16 at the Foley Civic Center.

Kiel was one of several firefighters who received awards at the banquet. Those awards were presented to the firefighters by former Fire Chief Jamie Hinton, who recently resigned his position to work in the private sector.

The Firefighter of the Year Award goes to an individual who has shown exemplary leadership, knowledge and dedication to FFD. For Kiel, the presentation of the award by Hinton had special meaning.

“The words he used in the presentation of this award have deep meaning,” Kiel said.

“It was also special due to (the fact) this was his last official presentation as Fire Chief.”

Hinton presented Firefighter Michael Lucas with the Training Award for 2007. Lucas was selected for his dedication to training issues within the department and his willingness to teach citizens such life saving techniques as CPR, child safety and first aid.

Firefighter Reid Cole was presented the Safety Award for demonstrating and upholding standard operating procedures that keep Foley firefighters safe.

The Foley Wal-Mart Supercenter received the Ralph Schumacher/Foley Fire Department Community Service Award for the store’s continuous involvement in caring for the needs of local citizens and firefighters.

Those who received presentations during the banquet for longevity with FFD were Interim Fire Chief Lt. Chad Brewer, Kiel, Firefighter Raymond Langley, Firefighter Tommy Gebhart, Firefighter Joey Roberts, Lucas, and Firefighter John Oliver.

During the banquet Hinton was presented with a number of commendations. He was given a golden fire axe for his dedication, a departmental picture of firefighters, and a leather fire helmet custom painted with the Maltese cross and the raising of the American flag by firemen after 911.

Entertainment at the banquet included a spinoff of the television show “Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?” “Are You Smarter Than A Retired Firefighter” was hosted by “Rody Foxfire” with the contestant being Firefighter Hank Duplesis answering questions about the fire service.

Those on hand for the banquet included active and retired firefighters and their families, members of the public and Mayor John Koniar.