SPENCER — The Spencer Fire Department held its annual Christmas and awards dinner Dec. 7.
Firefighter Parker Gobbel was named Rookie Firefighter of the Year, Capt. Jason Cooper received the Veteran Firefighter of the Year Award, and firefighter Todd Spencer was presented with the Fire Chief’s Award.
Firefighters Garrett Loftin, Dillon Mason and Gobbel were recognized for graduating from the 2012 Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Firefighter Academy Class 16.
Service awards were presented to firefighters Jeff Miller and Rick Fleming for five years of service, Assistant Chief Terry Smith for 15 years of service, Lt. Stacy Baker for 20 years of service and firefighter and former chief Jody Everhart for 30 years of service.
Retired firefighters John Martin and David Lomax attended the event as special guests.
The Spencer Fire Department has 23 volunteer and part-time personnel who answered a total of 449 calls in 2011. Jay Baker serves as fire chief.