Stephen Matson, center, stands with Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ross Morgan and Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Director Heather McIntyre, receiving recognition as Company 3’s top fire service provider for the year. Courtesy photo

SHEPHERDSTOWN — The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce has recognized the area’s first responders annually since 2001, routinely by hosting a banquet, where individuals from each Jefferson County department are recognized as the top in their agency.

Last year, in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the chamber decided against the live gathering, instead choosing to create a video representing the top recipients. As the continued spread of COVID-19 still continues, the organization has once again chosen to forego the in-person gathering.

As is the norm for the selections of top responders, each department was asked to nominate an honoree, said Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Director Heather Morgan McIntyre.

Honorees for the county’s fire/rescue and emergency services departments for 2021 included: Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency personnel Beryl Dixon, fire, and Brittany McLaughlin, EMS, and Bakerton Fire Department personnel David Rodriguez, Jr., fire, and Collin Smith and Kara Smith, EMS.

Citizens Fire Company recognized Brandon Snyder on the fire side and Chris Dugay for EMS, while Independent Fire Company’s honorees were Trevor Longerbeam, on the fire side, and Brandon Carroll, for EMS. Keith Kain, Jr., at Friendship Fire Company, was selected as the honoree on the fire side, and Andrew Biller took EMS honors at Company 1. Middleway Fire Department recipients were James Mood, on the fire side, and Kaila Napier, for EMS.

Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Director Heather McIntyre presents the top EMS certificate for Shepherdstown to Addison Huber, while Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department EMS Chief Marshall DeMeritt looks on. Courtesy photo

The entire EMS Team at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races was put forth for recognition by its agency, while Independent Fire Company recognized Mathew Minnick, on the EMS side of the house, and Harry Burns, on the fire side. Shepherdstown Volunteer Fire Department selected Addison Huber as its EMS recipient, while Stephen Matson received top honors, on the fire side.

The West Virginia State Police Charles Town Detachment selected Sgt. J.S. Chumley as its honoree. Charles Town Police Department honored Officer Kassidy Noble, while Ranson Police Department recognized Officer Jacob Swartz for this year.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department honoree for 2021 was Officer William Wilhelm, while the Deputy Sheriff Reserve Program selected Cpl. Rachel Combs as its honoree.

Rounding out the awards for 2021 was William “Bill” Schweitzer, with the Jefferson County Emergency Communications Department.

According to McIntyre, each department was asked to nominate its honoree, providing information on why that individual was selected.

“Once the chamber had all the information, we again hired Ellie Burke with Doo Dad Digital to go to each department and video the honorees in action,” McIntyre said.

The video will be complete soon and be available on the chamber website at www.jeffersoncountywvchamber.org.