A current and a previous fire chief received recognition at the state level.
Honors service were announced during the 43rd annual Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame & Fire Awards ceremony. The event took place last Thursday at the center of Science and Industry (COSI) in downtown Columbus,
The Fire Officer of the Year Award went to Shawn McKelvey, an assistant chief and sole full-time staff member at South Central Fire District in Wayne County. McKelvey received the award based on his support for his volunteer team and his fundraising efforts.
“I am privileged to work side by side with this wonderful group of volunteers that not only cares for their community, but also has that desire to care for each other.”
The Ohio Fire Service Distinguished Service Award was given to James Delman for his role in establishing the 9-1-1 Emergency Communication System in Belmont County. The system helped with communication for first responders and established a dispatch center. Delman who served as fire chief until 2017, was nominated by Sunset Heights Fire Chief Lawrence Myers.
“My kids growing up, when they were with me, and they hear tones go out, they knew to get out the door and get in the vehicle. They were going to the firehouse to stay.”
About 300 individuals, including state officials, first responder, family members of award winners, and the public attended the ceremony.
A full recording of the ceremony can be found at www.ohiochannel.org.
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