VIDEO: Shawnee Township celebrated their firefighters of the past and present for everything they've done to protect the community.
The Shawnee Township Fire Department held a banquet on Sunday to pay tribute to former chiefs, long-tenured firefighters, and retirees. This year, they honored volunteer firefighters Kevin Mayer, Allen Behnke, and Battalion Chief John Norris, who were presented with their helmets in recognition of their retirements after decades of service. They also took the opportunity to thank the family members of their firefighters for all that they go through.
"Everyone sees the first responders out there doing the work, but they don't recognize the families at home. The ones that get left for Christmas dinners, the ones that are worried at home when their first responders are out doing the work. So I really want to take time to honor them tonight too; they deserve the recognition," explains Fire Chief Austin Miller.