Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services recognized eight of its members Feb. 7.
Hosted by the Cherokee County Fire Chief’s Foundation, Breakfast with Our Best was held at the Cherokee County Conference Center in Canton.
Fire Chief Eddie Robinson presented the following 2023 “of the Year” awards:
– Volunteer Member of the Year: Stan Ice
– Support Services Member of the Year: Sgt. Rick Scales
– Special Operations Member of the Year: Sgt. RC Vaughn
– EMT of the Year: FAO Jonathan Laurich
– Paramedic of the Year: FAO Beau Witcher
– Firefighter of the Year: FAO Alissa Whetstone
– Fire Officer of the Year: Capt. Nathan Baum
– Chief Fire Officer of the Year: Battalion Chief Shannon Gibbs
After the awards were presented, the CCFCF presented a check to Sgt. Chris King.
The foundation recently held a fundraiser for King to assist him and his family as he battles cancer. The fundraiser brought in more than $32,000.
Cancer among firefighters has been on the rise for decades. According to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14 % higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S population.