The 2016 DeKalb County Volunteer Firefighter of the Year is Jerry Wayne Johnson, Station Commander of the Liberty Station.
Johnson received the award Saturday night during the Department’s Annual Awards Banquet held at the DeKalb County Complex.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Brian Williams was named the DeKalb County Fire Department’s 2016 Officer of the Year and Steve Repasy, Station Commander of the Johnsons Chapel Station, received the Department’s 2016 “Git R Done” award. The “Rookie” award went to Firefighter Andrew Cox of the Belk Station.
Johnson was nominated and received the Firefighter of the Year Award taking into consideration his fire call response, training attendance, and community service participation. Assistant Chief Anthony Boyd, who presented the award, said Johnson has excelled in all considerations used to evaluate the worthiness of earning this award. “The fire calls and training attendance stand for themselves. He excelled in both of those areas as he is among the very top of our membership when considering percentage of response and participation in fire calls and training events. As for his community service, Jerry Wayne has demonstrated outstanding community service by doing an excellent job leading his station in community involvement events. Each year he leads his station’s firefighters in hosting a community Halloween Party at the Liberty Station where they provide free refreshments and fire safety materials to the public. He is also very active in participating in fire prevention and safety activities at DeKalb County West School. Jerry Wayne has been a point of contact and an advocate in his community for the free smoke alarm installation program. He also unselfishly volunteers his time to send flowers and other gifts to members and their immediate family members affected by death, illness, or other life events,” said Assistant Chief Boyd.
“The DeKalb County Fire Department attempts to recognize firefighters who reflect a positive image of commitment and sacrifice to the department and our communities and there’s absolutely no doubt that Jerry Wayne has earned the honor of being named DeKalb County Fire Department’s 2016 “Firefighter of the Year”, he added.
Lieutenant Williams earned the “Officer of the Year Award” for his achievements in training attendance, incident response, and community service. ” Lieutenant Williams has made, and continues to make a tremendous impact on improving fire safety in DeKalb County. As a leader of the Fire Prevention/Safety Program in our department, he has installed 1,587 smoke alarms in DeKalb County since July 22, 2013. In 2016, he installed 408 smoke alarms all across DeKalb County. He has done this sacrificing his personal time and use of his vehicle. Because of his work in this area, DeKalb County has been recognized by the Tennessee Fire Marshal’s Office for being in the top 10 departments in the state for smoke alarm installations. Bailey Scott, Community Risk Reduction Coordinator for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, recently made the following statement, “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award than Brian. He has been an example, not only in DeKalb County, but across Tennessee. It is people like Brian who have helped save over 170 lives since 2012.” While visiting hundreds of homes, Lieutenant Williams has been the face of the DeKalb County Fire Department and he has built invaluable relationships, trust, and awareness that benefits our whole county. Because of his commitment, citizens in DeKalb County can feel more secure and safe in their homes,” said County Fire Chief Donny Green, who presented the award.
The “Git R Done Award” goes to a firefighter who demonstrates exceptional sacrifices by going above and beyond responding to calls and attending training. “Station Commander Repasy continuously makes himself available for anything this department asks of him. He sacrifices his time to run errands for our officers and is always available and willing to use his mechanical skills to repair and construct whatever we need. He is always at trainings and calls and still does all these extra things that makes our department better prepared to serve and respond. In addition, he is very active in the Smithville Lions Club and the local Red Cross chapter where he frequently donates his time and services to assist victims of disasters. He never hesitates to volunteer and jump in and do whatever we ask. Steve is the model of a “Git-R-Done” firefighter,” said Captain Jay Cantrell. Who presented the award. “Steve’s commitment to sacrifice of his personal time, both in our department in the community, while leading with a positive “Git R Done” attitude, clearly shows why he is being recognized as our 2016 recipient of this award,” he said.

Firefighter Andrew Cox was presented the “Rookie of the Year Award” based exclusively on his hours of training. This award goes to a firefighter who completed his/her basic recruit training during 2016. The department feels that the most important thing we can do for our new recruits is to give them basic training and reinforce the importance of training. Consequently, training is the sole criteria used in the “Rookie of the Year” selection,” said Lieutenant/Training Officer Brian Williams, who presented the award. ” From January 2016 through December 2016, Andrew had 271.21 hours of training, including completion of the 64 hour Basic Firefighter Training. In addition to his Basic Recruit training, he has completed a long list of extra training courses to improve his firefighting skills. We certainly want to recognize recruits who demonstrate an outstanding level of commitment to training. Our department is fortunate to have an excellent group of recruits who have contributed to our department being recognized with elite training awards for 8 consecutive years. We are proud of all of them and we are honored to name Firefighter Andrew Cox as our “Rookie of the Year” for 2016,” said Lieutenant Williams.
Captain Michael D. Lawrence recognized and presented the following 7 members with pins for length of service awards:
*5 years of service: Dustin Johnson (Main Station), Kristie Johnson (Station Commander of the Main Station), and Lieutenant Brian Williams
*10 years of service: Bob Myracle (Station Commander of the Austin Bottoms Station) and Gelasio Chacon (Johnsons Chapel Station)
*20 years of service:Gene Foster (Auxiliary Member, Short Mountain Hwy. Station)
*30 years of service:Chief Donny Green
Honorary Lifetime Member Jeff Williams presented Assistant Chief Anthony Boyd an Honorary Lifetime Membership award. Boyd has been a member for 18 years. “He has provided significant contributions to the administrative functions of our department, fundraising activities, building renovation and construction projects and has worked behind the scenes for many years. We like to recognize people who have made significant and long-lasting contributions to our department and Anthony has absolutely done this,” said Williams.
Chief Green also officially announced officer promotions. Captain Anthony Boyd was nominated by the membership and confirmed by the County Mayor and County Commission to be promoted to Assistant Chief of the Department. Lieutenant Brian Williams has been promoted to the rank of Captain, and Firefighter Dustin Johnson has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Chief Green commended the department’s leadership in setting the pace and example to challenge all members to excel in their service.
Partners who have provided special support to the department during the year were recognized including Middle Tennessee Natural Gas, DeKalb Tire and Service, DeKalb Telephone Cooperative (DTC), the local Red Cross representatives, WJLE Radio Station, the Smithville Review Newspaper, the Tennessee Division of Forestry, DeKalb Market, many community volunteers who help work in the Jamboree Food Booth and other fundraisers, Mayor Tim Stribling and his office staff, and the DeKalb County Commission. “Our department is recognized widely for our commitment and performance and I will credit that to the willingness of our volunteers to understand their commitment on a professional level, the support of our community partners, and the support of our County Mayor and County Commission,” said Chief Green.
The evening began with a delicious meal and entertainment from EmiSunshine, a 12-year old East Tennessee prodigy who has captured the nation’s attention as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. She has performed on the Grand Ole Opry, the Today Show and has been compared to the likes of Taylor Swift, mixed with a little bit of Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, or members of the Carter family.
Approximately 175 people were in attendance at the Awards Banquet, including firefighters, their families, local and state officials, and community partners. County Fire Chief Donny Green presided over the evening’s program.

A cooking fire forced residents in four units of a quadraplex from their homes Saturday at the housing projects on Circle Drive in Dowelltown.
All victims of the fire got out unharmed but were left homeless as the blaze quickly spread through the attic of the building.

“We were called to 207 Circle Drive in Dowelltown to the housing projects due to a fire. It was a cooking fire. Some grease caught on fire. The occupants were unable to put it out and it spread up the back of the stove area to the attic. There was a common attic between four units and the wind spread the fire across the attic. We were able to contain the fire to the attic but there was damage from the fire to all four residential units beneath the attic due to the fire and water. All four units were pretty much totaled,” said County Fire Chief Donny Green.

“Everybody from each unit got out okay. No one was hurt. The management of the housing projects helped locate housing for the displaced residents. The American Red Cross also worked to provide shelter for at least one of them and has worked to provide food and clothing for all the victims of the fire,” added Chief Green.
Members of the Liberty, Main Station, Cookeville Highway, and Belk Stations of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department responded along with the tanker truck. The Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department was called to provide extra manpower under a mutual aid agreement between the Alexandria and county departments. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and DeKalb EMS were also on the scene.

Members of the DeKalb County Republican Party met Saturday morning at the courthouse to elect officers to serve for the next two years.
Local attorney Mingy Bryant was re-elected Chairman of the Party.
Other officers are Vice Chairman Clint Hall, Secretary Brandon Cox, Treasurer Tom Chandler, and Assistant Treasurer Dustin Estes. The new officers were nominated as a group and elected by acclamation with no other names placed in nomination.
Jennifer Winfree, State Executive Committee Woman and former DeKalb Party Chairman was also in attendance along with local elected Republican officials Sheriff Patrick Ray, Trustee Sean Driver, Road Supervisor Butch Agee, Assessor of Property Shannon Cantrell and Fifth District County Commissioner Jerry Adcock.

Smithville Volunteer Firefighter and Deputy Chief Hoyte Hale received the “Highest Attendance Award” Friday night during an appreciation dinner for city firefighters at the Smithville First United Methodist Christian Fellowship Center.
The award was presented to Hale by Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker. This is the third straight year Hale has earned this award.
Hale, a 32 year veteran of the department, attended 148 out of 175 calls during the year 2016. This includes calls, trainings, and workings.
Other firefighters with high attendance responses to their credit were Lieutenant Donnie Cantrell with 139, Lieutenant John Poss with 125 calls, Lieutenant Danny Poss 116 and Lieutenant Kevin Adcock with 95.
Meanwhile two first year firefighters, Seth Wright and Garrett Johnson tied for most documented training hours among non-officer firefighters during the year at 125.5 hours each. Wright and Johnson were also sworn in during the dinner. The swearing in for first year firefighters has never been done before at an awards dinner but Chief Parker said it will now become a tradition each year.
Meanwhile city firefighters were recognized for years of service including the following:
Ryan Herron: Rookie
Garrett Johnson: 1 year
Seth Wright-1 year
Kim Johnson-1 year
Robin Summers-1 year
Bradley Johnson- 3 years
Dalton Roberts-3 years
C.J. Tramel- 3 years
Shawn Jacobs-Auxiliary 4 years
Cory Killian-6 years
Glen Lattimore-9 years
Stephanie Wright-11 years
Gary Johnson-12 years
James Randall Hunt-12 years
Wallace Caldwell- Chaplain 13 years
Lieutenant Kevin Adcock- 18 years
William (Wink) Brown-19 years
Greg Bess-photographer 22 years
Lieutenant John Poss-26 years
Captain Jeff Wright-31 years
Deputy Chief Hoyte Hale-32 years
Lieutenant Donnie Cantrell-37 years
Lieutenant Danny Poss-37 years
Chief Charlie Parker-37 years
Chaplain Caldwell spoke briefly of the meaning behind the “Maltese Cross”, the badge of a firefighter.
“The Maltese Cross is a symbol of protection and a badge of honor. Its story is hundreds of years old”.
“When a courageous band of crusaders known as The Knights of St. John fought the Saracens for possession of the holy land, they encountered a new weapon unknown to European warriors. It was a simple, but horrible device of war. It brought excruciating pain and agonizing death upon the brave fighters for the cross”.
“As the crusaders advanced on the walls of the city, they were struck by glass bombs containing naphtha. When they became saturated with the highly flammable liquid, the Saracens would hurl a flaming torch into their midst. Hundreds of the knights were burned alive; others risked their lives to save their brothers-in-arms from dying painful, fiery deaths”.
“Thus, these men became our first Fire Fighters and the first of a long list of courageous men. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow crusaders who awarded each hero a badge of honor – a cross similar to the one fire fighters wear today. Since the Knights of St. John lived for close to four centuries on a little island in the Mediterranean Sea named Malta, the cross came to be known as the Maltese Cross”.
“The Maltese Cross is our symbol of protection. It means that the Fire Fighter who wears this cross is willing to lay down his life for others just as the crusaders sacrificed their lives for their fellow man so many years ago. The Maltese Cross is a Fire Fighter’s badge of honor, signifying that he works in courage – a ladder’s rung away from death,” he said.

The DCHS Tigerette Softball Booster Club will be hosting a “One Last Standing” dodge ball tournament at Northside Elementary School on Saturday, January 28 starting at 2pm.
In the Boys High School Division:
*New Life United Pentecostal Church faces an opponent at 2:00 p.m.
*Los Demonios vs Snoop Dodgers at 2:10 p.m.
*Head Knockers vs Dirty Dodgers at 2:20 p.m.
*1 Hit Wonders vs Balls of Duty at 2:30 p.m.
All Women’s Division:
*Suspendinators vs West School Dodgers at 2:00 p.m. The winner will face Average Joes at 2:40 p.m.
*All Dodge No Balls vs Teach Me How 2 Dodgey at 2:10 p.m. The winner will meet Dodging Divas at 2:50 p.m.
Age 18 and older Division:
*City of Smithville vs Dodge Fathers at 2:00 p.m.
*Mighty Duckers vs TTU Bassin at 2:00 p.m.
*Ginos vs Benchwarmers at 2:10 p.m. The winner will face Big 20
*Friendship Baptist vs Global Gym at 2:10 p.m.
*Gym Class Heroes vs Dodgers at 2:20 p.m.
*Lisdexie Read Speeders vs Beef Cakes at 2:20 p.m. The winner will meet Short Bus Ballers

Alex Antoniak is the recipient of this week’s “Classroom Champion” award presented by Smithville Attorney Jim Judkins and WJLE.
The 10 year old 5th grader at DeKalb West School recently received the award and a special gift card from Judkins and Dwayne Page.
Alex is the son of Sean and Jessica Antoniak of Dowelltown. He enjoys playing basketball and his favorite studies are math and science
“Alex is a very good student. A leader among his peers and we are very proud to have him as a student at DeKalb West School,” said Principal Sabrina Farler.
In an effort to recognize achievements of students in the DeKalb County School System, WJLE has partnered with attorney Judkins in featuring a “Classroom Champion” each week for the next several months.
The name of the student selected each week will be announced on WJLE and will be featured on the WJLE website. Each student winning will receive a plaque and a gift certificate.
“This is our way of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of the future citizens and leaders of the community. It can benefit their learning and overall school atmosphere and climate. The students’ selection will be based on academic performance, responsibility and work ethic, leadership abilities, and citizenship and character,” said Judkins.

A Smithville man allegedly driving under the influence was arrested Tuesday in Putnam County after asking a state trooper for directions and then trying to elude officers in a pursuit.
According to the Herald-Citizen, 27 year old Christopher B. Tatrow was charged with driving under the influence, evading arrest, leaving the scene of an accident, registration violation, no insurance, no driver’s license on his person, driving through the median, two counts of not properly stopping, a signal on a hill violation, a turning on a hill violation, following too closely, seatbelt violation, two counts of improper passing, having an open container and possession of drug paraphernalia after a search of his vehicle turned up three pipes used for smoking drugs.
THP Trooper Mark Miller said the incident began when Tatrow stopped him to ask for directions at a bridge crossing Interstate 40 near mile marker 295.
According to the report, Trooper Miller saw that Tatrow had a Mike’s Hard Liquor and observed that his speech was slurred and eyes were red and watery.
After Trooper Miller asked him to stand in front of the patrol car, Tatrow instead got in his vehicle and drove away. Tatrow later crashed at mile marker 294 westbound on I-40 after a tire blew out but he kept going until he ran over a spike strip on Highway 70 in Cookeville near the intersection of Old Kentucky Road and Hudgens Street.
After the vehicle finally was disabled, Tatrow got out and tried to run away behind a row of townhouses.
After a short foot pursuit, he was taken into custody.
Tatrow reportedly told Trooper Miller that he was wanted on charges in DeKalb County and that he needed to go to the hospital.
Tatrow submitted to a blood draw to determine the level of intoxicant in his system at the time of the incident.