Canton Fire and Rescue held its annual Appreciation Banquet at the Best Western tonight, honoring a number of people. Year of service awards were given to Nick Maneely (5 years), Tyler Clark (10 years), Mike Dalton (25 years) and Bob Crowe (25 years). EMS President Joyce Dalton presented a special award to SLU EMS for all the work they do on the campus in caring for their fellow students and members of the community. Their response often prevents an unneeded response by Canton Rescue. Past member Rick Glidden presented a bell to the department, which had hung in the old station. Rick, along with several others, restored the bell to operating condition. It will be hung in a place of prominence in our new station. President Dalton presented the EMS Provider of the Year Award to Matt Kroeger. This award is given to the EMS Provider who has stood out among their peers over the course of the year. Chief Crowe presented the Herb Haven Community Service Award to Dr. William Fox, President of St. Lawrence University. This award is presented to deserving recipients who have demonstrated support of both the fire department and the Canton community as a whole. Dr. Fox has made it a point to work toward the betterment of Canton and has provided great assistance to the Fire Department along the way. The final award for the night was the Firefighter of the Year award. This award is given by the Chiefs to someone who has gone above and beyond during the previous year. This year the award was given to the Families and Loved Ones of all our members. They have to live with the interrupted meals, the holidays cut short, and the inevitable rush out the door that the pager brings. Accepting the award on behalf of all the Families was Gloria Gardner, wife of Past Chief Dale Gardner.
Six Foot Midget provided the entertainment following the ceremony.