John Allesch has the personality and the features minus the beard of a Santa Claus.

He's always smiling and jolly, even when people cuss at him and give him what he calls "the number one sign." And it happens too frequently.Allesch is a fire police member of the Summit Hill Fire Department. He also had been active as a firefighter and officer in the department.The 38-year-member was presented with the Diligence Fire Company No. 1's "Paul 'Paucky' Yuricheck Firefighter of the Year" award on Saturday.Ed Nunemacher, fire company president and also a fire police member, said sometimes members of the public get angry because Allesch and other fire police members have to detour them from point A to point B due to a fire, accident or other emergency.Even when those individuals become abusive, Allesch always manages to not only keep his composure, but smile and even lighten the mood with his unique sense of humor.The award was presented by Shawn Hoben, fire chief, during the fire company's annual Christmas party held at the Hill Top Community Center."We try to give the award to somebody who goes above and beyond," Hoben said.Allesch is a Vietnam War veteran who is decorated with numerous medals. He has two sons in the military.Besides serving the fire department, he also is the community's Emergency Management Agency coordinator.Nunemacher said that Allesch will soon be leaving the area because he is moving to Georgia.In accepting the award, Allesch said, "Many other brothers in our fire company deserve this more than I do."He said he got involved in the fire department "because I wanted to get involved in the community" after serving in the military."I had fun," he said of his time spent in the fire department. "It was a good ride for me. I enjoy it."He said of the award, "It means a lot to me," adding, "This will go on my wall down in Georgia, where I plan to rest and recuperate."The award was named for Yuricheck, who has been a member of the fire company for 48 years. Yuricheck coordinates the department's annual fund drive.Also given recognition were six members who have devoted 300 or more hours in response and service to the department during 2014.Nunemacher headed the list, putting in a total of 466 hours of volunteer work with both the fire police and as an active fire company member. Others honored for their many volunteer hours were Brandon Miller, Leonard R. Ogozalek, Leonard J. Ogozalek, John C. Poko and Daniel York.The fire department presented a "Friend of the Firemen" plaque to Dan and Valerie Matika, owner of the Batter's Box Sports Bar, for their continued support.Hoben said this award is presented to a business or organization who helped the fire department.He said the Matikas have sponsored the annual golf tournament, participated in the golf tournament, donated items for a benefit concert, and helped at other events.Joseph "Fuzzy" O'Donnell was given a plaque for "appreciation of your continued support and dedication" to the fire department.The fire chief said O'Donnell is a "go-to guy" for virtually any occasion. He said, "This gentleman shows up all the time when we're in a pinch."