The Diligence Fire Company of Summit Hill named Wade Matika as its “Firefighter of the Year” during its annual Christmas social Saturday in the Hilltop Community Center.

During the program, two former local fire chiefs who recently died were memorialized.

Rev. Carl Gray Jr. of Illinois, a former pastor at Hope of Christ Presbyterian Church in Summit Hill, had served as Summit Hill Fire Chief while a pastor there. He died Nov. 27 at the age of 76.

David Pollock, who was Mahoning Township Fire Chief from 1983 to 1987, died on Dec. 5. A table was set up in the corner of the Community Center with a photo of Pollock and firefighter gear.

Shawn Hoben, the current Summit Hill fire chief, served as the master of ceremonies. In remembering Gray, Hoben defined him as, “This guy didn’t think of himself. He thought to everybody else.”

Segueing into the presentation of the Firefighter of the Year Award, Hoben said of Matika, “This fellow is the same way.”

Hoben said Matika responds to fire calls, ambulance calls, drill nights, maintenance night and fundraisers. “He’s you go-to guy,” Hoben said.

The fire chief said the Firefighter of the Year Award, which is also the Paul ‘Paulky’ Yuricheck Award, “is the biggest award of the fire department.”

Yuricheck was a long-time active member and officer of the fire department who died in 2016. His nephew, Ronald, as an assistant chief and a long-time fire company member.

Matika, upon receiving the surprise award, said he has overcome some struggles in his life and said he’s glad he returned as an active member of the fire department.

He said he was a junior firefighter in 2006 and 2007 and then left to attend college. He rejoined the fire department about a year ago.

Hoben, regarding the contributions Matika has made to the department, said, “This is what we need to build the fire department - 20 more Wades.”

Several other members of the fire department who died in recent years were remembered.

There were two other awards presented.

The annual “Friend of the Fireman” Award was presented to Summit Hill American Legion Post 316 and Sons of the American Legion.”

A plaque was also presented to Summit Hill resident and Times News correspondent Ron Gower for his “continued support and dedication.”