A former chief of the Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department was honored Monday at the Wood County Fireman’s Association monthly meeting as the 2018 Fire Fighter of Year by the Sons of the American Revolution Capt. James Neal Chapter. Bernard Cothern originally received the award at the chapter’s quarterly dinner at Colombo’s Restaurant in February. Monday’s ceremony took place at the Lubeck Volunteer Fire Department. Cothern was awarded the SAR’s Fire Safety Commendation Medal for accomplishments and outstanding contributions in fire safety and services. He was honored for lifetime service after more than 50 years as a volunteer firefighter. Cothern is a charter member in 1969 of the PMBS Volunteer Fire Department, now known as Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department. PMBS was short for Pettyville, Mineral Wells, Bonnivale, Slate.