The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company is pleased to announce the specific milestones achieved by its volunteers. Indian River intends to highlight these specific firefighter accomplishments and the dedication of these members within the volunteer fire service. These firefighters have contributed endless amounts of assistance, guidance and devotion to the communities of Oak Orchard, Riverdale, Long Neck and surrounding vicinities during times of need. First, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company wishes to acknowledge the contribution of John W. Swithenbank, III who will reach his 42nd anniversary milestone within the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company in January, 2010. John joined the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company in 1968. John was awarded Life Membership in the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. in December, 1988 as well as President Emeritus in December, 1998. John has continued his volunteerism within the fire company and currently has been recognized for the longest serving President and Fire Recorder in Indian River’s corporate history. Over the years, John has served in the following positions: (1) Fire Line Operations – Second Assistant Chief and Fire Recorder; and (2) Administrative Line Operations – Board of Director, President Emeritus, President, Vice President, and Assistant Treasurer. John has been a hard-working and dedicated volunteer who takes pride in mentoring those who aspire to compile fire company statistics and historical data within Indian River’s fire district. Second, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company wishes to acknowledge the contribution of James T. (Tee) Norwood, who will reach his 40th anniversary milestone within the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company in January, 2010. Tee joined the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company in 1970 and has devoted himself and countless hours to helping the community and residents of Oak Orchard, Riverdale, Long Neck and surrounding vicinities. Tee has continued 40 years of active volunteer firefighting duties and responsibilities and was awarded a life membership for active and distinctive service in March, 1991. Over the years, Tee has served in the following positions: (1) Fire Line Operations – Second Assistant Chief, Chief Engineer and Engineer; and (2) Administrative Life Operations – Board of Director, President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer. Tee has been and continues to be a superior tractor trailer apparatus operator during emergency incidents and takes pride in mentoring those who aspire to fulfill leadership positions within the volunteer fire service. Third, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company wishes to acknowledge the contribution of Michael G. Bowden, who will reach his 40th anniversary milestone within the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company in January, 2010. Michael joined the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company in 1970 and has devoted himself and countless hours to helping the community and residents of Oak Orchard, Riverdale, Long Neck and surrounding vicinities. Michael has continued 40 years of active volunteer firefighting duties and responsibilities and was awarded a life membership for active and distinctive service in February, 1996. Over the years, Michael has served in the following positions: (1) Fire Line Operations –Assistant Chief Engineer, Third Assistant Chief Engineer, and Engineer; and (2) Administrative Life Operations – Board of Director, Vice President, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer. Michael has been and continues to be an active volunteer firefighter and apparatus operation during emergency incidents and takes pride in mentoring those who aspire to volunteer firefighters. Fourth, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company wishes to acknowledge the contribution of Steven C. Deery, Jr., who will reach his 20th anniversary milestone within the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company in January, 2010. Steven joined the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company in 1990 and has devoted himself and countless hours to helping the community and residents of Oak Orchard, Riverdale, Long Neck and surrounding vicinities. Steven has performed 20 years of active volunteer firefighting duties and responsibilities and was awarded a life membership for active and distinctive service in January, 2010. Over the years, Steven has served in the following positions: (1) Fire Line Operations –Chief, Deputy Chief, First Assistant Chief, Second Assistant Chief, Third Assistant Chief, Fire Captain and Training Officer; (2) Administrative Life Operations – Board of Director; and (3) Other Company Positions – Delegate & Alternate to the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, Chairperson of the BY-LAWS, Membership, Fire Prevention and Open House committees. Steven currently is the Second Vice President of the Sussex County Fire Chief’s Association and has pursued an active role in that organization as well as serving his fifth consecutive year as Fire Chief. Steven has been and continues to be a mentor and confidante to many of the volunteer firefighters. Steven is well respected within the fire service communities.