Freedom Township Honors its Own

The Freedom Township Volunteer Fire Company honored its members with an awards banquet on Saturday, Jan. 29.

Melvin Edmundson was presented a plaque commemorating his 50 years of service to the fire company.

An emotional Edmunson said serving with the fire company has been an honor and appreciates everyone he has worked with during his half-century of service.

"It really is special," he said. "I have loved every minute of it."

Fire company President Matt May said Edmundson's years of service to the township serves as an inspiration to the younger members.

"When we bring in new members, we make them feel at home and then train them to hopefully become the man like Mel is," he said.

Two of those young members, James Lang and Nate Caldwell were both recognized for 15 years of service. May said Lang and Caldwell worked their way through the ranks from junior firefighters to assistant chiefs. May said it is a testament to their hard work and dedication to serve their community.

"It takes a lot to be here at a young age," May said. "We would like to find a few more good men like Nate and James."

Caldwell was also named firefighter of the year, an honor he said is both overwhelming and unexpected. Caldwell said he always wanted to follow his dad into the fire service and looked forward to the day he was old enough.

"When I was 13, I was counting down the days until I turned 14 and could join," he said. "The people here taught me a lot and I hope someday to be the one teaching the younger guys."

May said protecting the community would not be possible without the work of the people who volunteer behind the scenes helping with fundraisers. Saying that without them, the fire company wouldn't exist.

"It is humbling and emotional to see the amount of community support we have, and the people who aren't members who come in and help us," he said.

In recognition of that outside help, May presented the Roaring Spring Post 7689 auxiliary the award of Firepersons of the Year for helping with fundraising efforts throughout the year.

The 2021 Captains Award was presented to Charles "Bip" Robertson for his dedication throughout the year.

State Sen. Judy Ward presented Edmundson and Ed Bender with citations honoring their 50 years of service to the fire company. Bender received his 50-year plaque at last year's banquet.

In honoring Edmundson and Bender, Ward said it is rare to have the length of service they have, calling them "true leaders."