Dustin Ivey named Firefighter of the Year

Summerville Fire Department recently named Dustin Ivey the 2016 Firefighter of the Year. The award is determined by attitude, effort and attendance and, according to Fire Chief Robbie Lathem, is the highest honor presented each year at the annual Fireman’s banquet.

Dustin Ivey answered the call to be a part of something larger than himself 2 years ago. Ivey was looking to make a difference in his community, one where he was born and raised, when he joined the Summerville Fire Department as a volunteer. Lathem pointed out the difference and impact he has made in the department,  “Dustin is truly a team player and always has the same smile day in and day out and never complains, he comes in does his job and is happy about it.”

In small communities across the country, volunteer firemen are an integral part of keeping people safe. The sacrifice of their own time and effort, often for little or no compensation, is given by these men and women whose only reward is knowing that people are safer because of their dedication. Countless hours are spent in training exercises and certification courses in addition to the actual time spent responding to calls and putting their life saving training into use. Chattooga volunteer firefighters respond to hundreds of calls per year.

Ivey said, “It was an honor to be announced firefighter of the year , especially with the group of guys and girls that are on the department. They are a tough bunch. They are a great team to be a part of and I appreciate all of them more than they know.” Ivey is a 2006 graduate of Chattooga High School.