Summit Hill Fire Chief Shawn Hoben’s face exuded the pride he obviously felt during a plaque presentation.

The chief presented the annual “Paul Pawlky Yuricheck Firefighter of the Year” award, given to a firefighter who demonstrates “dedication, commitment and honor.” The recipient was his son, Riley Hoben, who other firefighters attest has been part of their fraternity since he was a mere child.

He joined the department as a junior firefighter as soon as he could and has since completed the “Firefighter 1” course, which his father described as “very difficult” and not only involves general firefighting, but also Hazmat training.

The “Firefighter of the Year” award was named after the late Paul Yuricheck, who was very active in the fire department for decades until his death on May 11, 2016.

The fire department began its annual firefighter award in 1995 and Yuricheck was the first recipient.

Hoben, while introducing his son, said regarding the award, “This guy earned it.” He said Riley attends all the weekly maintenance night sessions.

“He’s been coming to the firehouse since he was a little kid,” said the chief.

Kevin Steber, fire company president, said Riley not only is an active member, but “helps us on technical things like computers.”

“He’s a real class act,” Steber said of Riley.

Shawn and Riley are not the only firefighters in the Hoben family. Shawn’s wife, Judy, is a former active member. He said that the helmet Riley wears was the one his mother had worn.

The award was presented during the annual firefighters’ Christmas gathering for the Diligence Fire Company held at the Hilltop Community Center. Two other awards were presented.

Michael Alabovitz, owner of Ace Electric, was awarded the “Friend of the Firemen” award, which is presented annually to a business that makes significant contributions to the fire department.

Jay Horvath was the recipient of the “Volunteer of the Year.”

Chief Hoben made the “Business of the Year” presentation, noting that Alabovitz “has done a lot for the department.”

He’s a former line officer who still gives a lot of volunteer time, Hoben said. He supports fundraising endeavors. He has even had his employees assist with tasks at the fire department.

“I think that is what’s unique in this town, we have business that will do that,” Chief Hoben said.

Steber reiterated the praise heaped on Alabovitz, stating that the recipient is an electrician and without him, “probably the lights would not be on in this building.” He said Alabovitz was also instrumental in putting the external fire siren back into service.

Alabovitz, who had been a member of the department since he was a teenager, said, “A lot of the things I learned along the way here, I brought them into my life and business.”

“The things you pickup and the experience you get working with these guys is one of the best educations you will ever get,” he said.

Len Ogozalek, also an assistant fire chief, presented Horvath with his award.

He said Horvath initially began helping with small chores at the fire house and expanded his assistance to cleaning apparatus and more important duties.