Before the big snowstorm appeared Sunday, members of Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company gathered for their annual awards banquet Saturday evening.

“Our township supervisors and residents are very thankful for all your members. The sacrifice and service you provide is valuable to our community,” said Polk Township Supervisor Michael Hurley.

Aces Gourmet catered the event. The tables were decorated with tiers of cupcakes and pieces of candy.

Gratitude and goals

Fire Chief Billy Tippett addressed the crowd after dinner and shared statistics from 2025.

“As a company, we were dispatched to 244 emergencies, missing zero calls for the year,” he said.

Members completed 2,072 hours of training and participated in 1,067 hours of fundraising.

Two members completed Proboard Traffic Incident Management Specialist certification; three completed Proboard Firefighter 2 certification; and one completed Emergency Medical Technician certification, he said.

Tippett thanked all the department’s members:

“A lot is expected of you, and little reward or recognition is received in return. We deal with real-life situations that leave a lasting mark on us for far longer than most people would ever understand. Your dedication and professionalism is a true testament to your character.”

He also thanked Polk Township supervisors Brian Ahner, Michael Hurley and Carl Heckman, along with state Rep. Jack Rader and assistant Nancy Parks for their support. Wendy Conshey, outgoing fire company president, presented Bryon Bonser with a plaque for five years of service.

Conshey said that in 2025 they lost John Engels, who had been a fire police captain and a firefighter. He died in September.

“The fire company is more than a building and set of trucks. We know each other’s schedules, jobs and family,” said Matt Davison, the incoming fire company president. “I am glad I started here and will carry on the legacy of the fire company.”

He has three priorities for the year ahead: support line officers and the operational side; focus on communications and teamwork; and help make it a place people can be proud of and where new members feel welcome.

“I promise to represent the fire company with integrity and leave it stronger than when I found it,” Davison said.

Presentation

Ladies Auxiliary Treasurer Gail Anders thanked the outgoing Ladies Auxiliary leaders.

She and Dottie Jeker, Ladies Auxiliary president, presented a check for $10,000 to Conshey.

The auxiliary raised the funds from monthly hoagie sales, hosting three Groundhog Lodge dinners, monthly breakfasts, social hall rentals, annual yard sale and meals sold on election days.

Announcement of officers

Tippett announced this year’s line officers: Derrick Burger, deputy chief; Matt Davison, captain; Zach Schoenberger, lieutenant; Bryan Beck, engineer; Joey Hayes, engineer; Bryon Bonser, fire police captain; and Rick Sawyer, safety officer.

Hurley gave the oath of office to the line officers, the firefighters and fire police. Each received certificates and had to sign their name confirming to serve and protect their community.

Davison announced his executive board: Zach Schoenberger, vice president; Cindy Haydt, treasurer; and Candy Burger, secretary. Gail Anders, treasurer of the Ladies Auxiliary, announced its board.

The board is Dottie Jeker, president; Fern Smith, vice president; Shirley Haydt, recording secretary; Vicki Serfass, corresponding secretary; and Samantha Borden, event coordinator.