Tom Kerr says he was surprised to learn just a few weeks ago that he had been nominated for the prestigious Oregon Volunteer Firefighters Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Kerr has served for 50 years as a volunteer firefighter in Curry County.
During a ceremony at the association’s annual conference June 26-29 in Redmond, Kerr was recognized for his contributions, although he did not receive the award itself.
“There was a gentleman from Corbett who actually got the award,” Kerr said. “He has 58 years in as a volunteer. (But) I felt pretty good to be honored. It’s not too many that have done this for that length of time.”
Kerr remains active as assistant chief of the Brookings Fire and Rescue Department. “I still enjoy it,” he said, “just being with the guys and the gals, and the excitement of it."