The Elkin Rescue Squad celebrated the holiday season with its annual Christmas banquet on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m., held in the fellowship hall of First United Methodist Church. In attendance were rescue squad members past and present, their family members, board of directors, and county officials. As attendees arrived, they were greeted with the sight of festive tables and the sounds of holiday music performed by a local blue grass band. Chief James Anderson welcomed everyone and Seth Groce, the chaplain, gave the invocation.

Opening ceremonies began with Lieutenant Kevin Cheek lighting a candle in memory of members who have passed on. He also presented a single white rose to surviving family members: Fannie Sue Robinson (Jack Robinson) and mother of Jackie Sue Robinson; Barbra McCann (Bobby McCann); Mary Hutchens (Arthur Hutchens); and Hessie Church (Ray Church). This was followed by a moment of silence in their honor.

A buffet dinner was served and followed by recognition of guests by Justin Bowers, who introduced John Shelton, director of Surry County Emergency Services, and his wife Andrea; and Surry County Sheriff Graham Atkinson and wife Melissa.

Shelton lauded the force

"I don't know what we'd do without you," he said.."You serve the community while your family gives up so much of you."

Sheriff Atkinson also praised the squad members for their dedication.

"It means so much to have people with medical training to show up on the scene of accidents," he said."I really appreciate the relationship we've developed with the rescue squad."

Another special guest speaker for the evening was Billy Haynes, who was a member for several years and is currently an educator at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, where he teaches life support education.

Haynes reflected on his career as a squad member and presented a walk down memory lane with a slide show, which represented vehicles and other equipment from years past. He spoke about how much the Elkin Rescue Squad influenced his life in positive ways.

"The rescue squad changed my perspective on going to college; this squad has always been there to support me in everything I did,. he said, "I teach life-saving skills to doctors and nurses every day and it's because of the rescue squad that I've dedicated so much to that. I'm not currently in the squad, but the squad will always be a part of me and I will always be part of it."

Later, Gary York, president of the squad, spoke to members and their families about how much their hard work and time means to the community.

"Since I've been asked to serve, it's made me a better person," he said. "To be a great volunteer, someone has to support us. My involvement is insignificant compared to what each of you does. There's nothing that replaces the warm glow of a volunteer"

Awards, recognitions


2008 awards were presented at the banquet and include:

* Training award: Matthew Crosswhite, and Charlie Harris (who has 33 years of service with the squad)

* Service award was given to Chuck Holcomb for 35 years of service.

Gary York followed awards with installation of new officers. New members are:

*Daniel Prevette

* Kevin Abbey

* Naomi Smith

* Tyler Johnson

* Jonathan Young

* Sharon Ratcliffe

Kevin Cheek was given special recognition for organizing and planning the banquet and all the evening's events.

Eddie Bobbitt received the Most Improved Squad Member of the Year, and Eddie Bobbitt Jr. was awarded Junior Member of the Year.

The Roy H. Kane Squad Member of the Year Award was presented to Eddie Bobbitt. assistant chief .

"Eddie (Sr.) has exemplified leadership in all areas," said Bowers. "He steps up to the plate and leads by example.

"He was responsible for getting a Dodge Durango donated by Federal Finance of Elkin."

The vehicle will be presented to the squad Monday, Dec. 22.