The McColl Fire Department held its annual awards banquet on Dec. 11 in the gymnasium of McColl Pentecostal Holiness Church.

The guest speaker was Rev. Donald Deal. Food was prepared by Family Affair Catering.

“McColl Fire Department wants to say thank you for all the support in 2021 and the continued support in 2022,” said Chief J.R. Locklear. “God bless and happy holidays from the McColl Fire Department.”

McColl FD responded to 296 calls between July 2020 and July 2021. These calls included medical, structure fires, vehicle accidents, and etc.

Several awards were given out to recipients.

The Ellis Moore Leadership Award was given to Chief J.R. Locklear.

The Donald Orvin Sr. Award is a prestigious life-saving award. The award was given to John Westbay, Howard Scott, Bill Floyd, and Will Parrish.

The Fire Fighter of the Year Award was given to Patrick Grooms.

The Most Calls Award was given to Mike Johnson for responding to 275 out of 296 calls.

Five service awards were given out. Don Driggers received his award for 35 years of service. Others receiving service awards were Locklear, 15 years; Chris Caulder, 15 years; Caylon Booth, 10 years; Larry Cummings, five years; Russell Williams, five years; and Trevor Clark, five years.