The Spanish Fort Fire Rescue Department held its 47th annual awards dinner where members and others were recognized for their dedicated service in 2008.

Firefighter Neil Sherer received top honors being named Firefighter of the Year. Sherer also received the award for Top Responder and the department’s Vanguard Award.

A 15 month member of the department, Sherer was selected by his peers for this recognition.

“His level of commitment and service are what sets Neil apart from others.” said Chief Roger Few. Sherer attended 55 percent of all responses and 100 percent of all training sessions. He dedicated an additional 67 hours in fire prevention and equipment maintenance programs.

Other award winners are as follows:

—Deputy Chief Byron Hayles, 25 years

—Capt. Brad Jernigan 10 years

—Lt. Nathan Collier, five years

—Capt. Howard Popple, five years

—Sherer

—Firefighter Jeffery Baggett

—Lt. Jason Hadley

—Lt. Ben Hughes

—Fire Chief Roger Few

—Fire Explorer Joey Martin 

—Capt. Brad Jernigan

—Firefighter John Shoemaker

—Lt. Nathan Collier;

—Firefighter Bill Paustian

—Firefighter Justin Stewart

—Firefighter Daniel Freeman

—Capt. Howard Popple

—Firefighter Mark Shobe

—Assistant Chief Troy Dyess

—Firefighter Jerome Roberts

People who are interested in volunteering may call 626-8876 or visit the department online at www.spanishfortfire.org.