Due to the pancake feed’s postponement, Madrid Volunteer Fire Department members (l-r) Don Lee and Josh Harms presented Trent Harger, from Chief Mike Lee (far right) with the Firefighter of the Year award early. Not pictured: Stacy Lee.
MVFD postpones pancake feed, awards firefighter
The Madrid Volunteer Fire Department is postponing their annual pancake feed due to concerns of COVID-19.
They fear having their feed during this time could potentially spread the virus, even though they enjoy seeing the public gathering and enjoying each other’s company while having a good meal.
“I know for me, some members of our fire district and surrounding areas, I only get to see them at our feed,” said Fire Chief Mike Lee. “It is nice to catch up with them and see what is new in their lives.”
The fire department is planning on setting a new date for the pancake feed this fall.
Typically at the pancake feed, a firefighter would be awarded with the Firefighter of the Year award, however the award had to be presented in a much smaller group for safety reasons.
The recognition award is for members of the fire department that go above and beyond in the department. These are members that make most of the calls, attend most of the in-house training, attend outside training and show their love for being a volunteer.
At this time, the Chief selects the award recipient, but the department will eventually set up a point system to be handled by a committee.
This year, the member receiving the Firefighter of the Year award will be Trent Harger. He has been the Assistant Chief for many years.
“He makes almost all of the calls in a year and has really stepped up as a leader,” said Lee. “I have no doubt he can run this department in my absence and hope to have him as a member for many years to come.”