The Pinehurst Fire Department recently held its annual holiday dinner and recognition ceremony to highlight accomplishments in 2023.
Fire Chief Carlton Cole recognized firefighters for professional achievements and milestones, including the peer-nominated award of Firefighter of the Year. The award is named after Robert Viall, who served as chief of the Pinehurst Fire Department for many years.
Matt English was recognized as the Pinehurst Fire Department’s 2023 Chief Robert S. Viall Firefighter of the Year.
“The department is fortunate to have a group of firefighters willing to use their skills and abilities for the betterment of the department and serve our community,” said Cole. “It is difficult to select just one to receive special recognition, but Firefighter English is well-deserving of the special award.”
Several other Pinehurst firefighters were recognized for their professional development accomplishments.
Years of Service: Jonathan Luck, 25 years; Michael Waschsen, 20 years; Eric Nall, 15 years; Matt English, 5 years.
New Certifications: Josh Anliker, Brett Chapman, Kael Freese, Bill Jackson, Zachary McNeill, Jared Osborne, Jay Neal, Ross Outen, Blake Polakof, Jayden Scott, Lawson Skipper, Brian Sneed, John Threatt, and John Warren.
Education Accomplishments: Jennifer Black, Associate Degree; Jay Neal, Bachelor Degree.
Career Progression Advancements: Josh Anliker, Senior Captain; Matt English, Fire Engineer; Jay Neal, Fire Engineer; Blake Polakof, Firefighter/EMT 2nd Class; Lawson Skipper, Firefighter/EMT 2nd Class; Brian Sneed, Senior Firefighter.
Special Recognition: Jennifer Black, Life Save Award, and Fire Safety Commendation from Sandhills Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution; Adam Coles, Jonathan Luck, Eric Nall, Ethan Owens, Tony Reynolds, Michael Waschsen – Charter Member of Honor Guard (10 years); Matt English, Distinguished Service Medal; Bill Jackson, Honor Guard Member; Austin Majors, Life Save Award, Honor Guard Member; Blake Polakof, Life Save Award and The Pilot’s top 20 under 40; John Warren, Stork Award and EMS Commendation from Sandhills Chapter of the Sons of Commendation the American Revolution; Josh Womack, Stork Award, EMS Commendation from Sandhills Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Honor Guard Member.
“The Village has a dedicated group of firefighters in each and every member of the Fire Department,” Cole said. “This recognition is the result of the completion of identified tasks, and for each one completed, there’s another in the works. Your efforts are what make us a high-performing organization.”
Feature photo: Chief Robert S. Viall Firefighter of the Year Matt English.
Contributed/Courtesy photo.
