Three Lake County Fire Rescue personnel were among those honored for their dedication to service during the annual awards banquet that recognizes police officers, firefighters and K9 officers who went above and beyond the line of duty during the past year. The event, which takes place at Eustis Elks Lodge 1578, has been honoring first responders for 17 years.
Lake County Fire Rescue Lt. Albert Howard, Lt. Brian Merkle, and Lt. Ross Pinkerton were all recipients of the Firefighter of the Year award during the Feb. 17 event.
As there were three award recipients at this year’s event, each will display the plaque at their station for four months.