Nashville Fire Department Honors Excellence at Annual Awards Ceremony

On December 8th, the Nashville Fire Department held their much-anticipated Awards Ceremony, celebrating the outstanding contributions and dedication of their members. Despite the cancellation of the department’s traditional Christmas Party this year due to COVID-19, which prevented families and retired firemen from joining in the festivities, the ceremony provided an opportunity to honor the exceptional service of several individuals.

Among the highlights of the evening were the recognition of key milestones and achievements within the department. Royce Miller was presented with his 5 Years of Service Pin, marking his dedication to the fire service. Jimmy Mixon was honored for his 25 Years of Service, a remarkable achievement demonstrating his longstanding commitment to the department.

This year also saw the retirement of Hayden Worthington, who retired after an impressive 25 years of service with the Nashville Fire Department. In recognition of his outstanding career, Hayden was presented with a commemorative plaque and his own 25 Years of Service Pin.

The most prestigious recognition of the evening was the Firefighter of the Year Award, presented to Zachary Miller. The Firefighter of the Year Award is voted on by fellow firefighters, with colleagues nominating the individual they believe has exhibited exceptional performance throughout the year. Since joining the department in May of 2019, Zachary has proven himself to be a dedicated, hardworking, and highly skilled firefighter. His commitment to ongoing training and his dedication to improving his skills has made him a valuable asset to the department and the citizens of Nashville.

In addition to the Firefighter of the Year recognition, several other firefighters were honored for their exemplary service. Royce Miller received the Officer’s Choice Award, chosen by the Chief, Assistant Chief, and the department’s Captains. Royce has consistently gone above and beyond this year, contributing extra time and effort to a variety of projects and tasks within the department. His dedication to the department in just five years has earned him this well-deserved recognition.

Kelly Hostetler was awarded the Attendance Award, which recognizes the firefighter who attends the most calls and drills throughout the year. Since joining the department in April 2019, Kelly has consistently demonstrated reliability, making it clear that when there is a call, he is always ready to respond. His unwavering commitment has made him a key member of the team.

The ceremony not only honored the achievements of the past year but also highlighted the importance of teamwork, commitment, and service to the community. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Nashville Fire Department continues to stand strong, with its members consistently striving to improve their skills and serve the community with excellence.