FREDERICKTOWN — Two veterans of the Fredericktown Community Fire District were honored for the number of emergency runs they have responded to during their years serving the community.
Fire Chief Scott Mast and Assistant Chief Dwayne Canter completed over 3,000 calls of service during their years with the Fredericktown Community Fire District, and their fellow firefighters decided to recognize that accomplishment at the annual Awards Dinner Saturday night. Mast and Canter were presented plaques for their milestones, a surprise for both men.
“This is 3,000 runs or more. I don’t know how to put that in perspective,” said Lt. Jeremy Moss, adding that their average run lasts roughly an hour. “They spend a lot of time away from their family. They missed a lot of dinners, they got woke up in the middle of the night multiple times. They did not care. They got in their vehicles and made it to the station — that’s sacrifice. Over 3,000 times in their careers they put someone else’s needs ahead of their own.”
Over the years, Mast has tallied 3,152 runs while Canter clocked in at 3,072. Moss described the numbers as “an incredible feat.”
“I know that Dwayne is the same as me — we don’t do it for any recognition whatsoever,” Mast said after accepting his plaque. “We love what we do, we love being a part of this organization. He has been a huge asset to me, as a chief, over the years, as well as our officer corp. We have the best officer corp we’ve had ever in our department. I think that shows daily on how we’re producing results.”
Mast and Canter were not the only ones recognized for the number of times they have dropped everything to respond to a call. The following firefighters were honored for completing runs with the fire district:
- 500 runs: Scott Mast, Dwayne Canter, Tony Schwartz, Shane Smith, Jason Bostic, Bronson Mast, Heath Kempton, JP Murphy, Jason Whaley, Jeremy Moss
- 1,000 runs: Scott Mast, Dwayne Canter, Tony Schwartz, Shane Smith, Jason Bostic
- 1,500 runs: Scott Mast, Dwyane Canter, Tony Schwartz, Shane Smith
- 2,000 runs: Scott Mast, Dwyane Canter, Tony Schwartz
- 2,500 runs: Scott Mast, Dwyane Canter
Mark and Melissa Phillips of Mid-State Waste received the Flame of Distinction, an award that honors a citizen or company that has assisted the community or the fire district.
“Mid-State has been very generous to us over the years in getting cars, junk cars to us that we can train on,” explained Mast. “That costs the company a lot of money to get a car down here, drop it off to us, and when we’re done making a mess, hand it back to them and they come pick it up to take back to their facility. Without companies like this supporting us — obviously, we’d have to pay for it otherwise — people like you, Mark, we greatly appreciate those opportunities.”
“I’m very humbled to be honored by these guys,” said Mark Phillips. “They deserve to be honored every day for what they do.”
Public Information Officer Jason Bostic received the Chief’s Award for his work in securing grants for the district.
“The FCFD has taken great care to operate efficiently on the funds provided by current tax levies,” Mast read. “The continued efforts of Firefighter Bostic ensure the district can improve our equipment without increasing the burden on our taxpayers. He has taken it upon himself to seek out and apply for numerous grants, resulting in the department receiving $38,722 in 2017 only.”
Bostic’s work also ensured the district received new Personal Protective Equipment hoods, which help protect firefighters from carcinogens.
“Jason is crucial in that fundraising and grant-raising efforts,” Mast added. “Financially, it takes a huge burden off our district.”
During the time Bostic has been writing grants for the district, he has brought in nearly $200,000 in grant money. The FCFD usually brings in $250,000 in one year with tax money.
Lt. Kevin Suain received the 2017 Firefighter of the Year award, which is voted on by the FCFD members.
“I don’t do all that stuff to get this, I just do what needs to be done,” Suain said. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
Noah Smith received the 2017 Outstanding Cadet Performance. He was recognized for his efforts at a fire on Jan. 3, 2018, during which he displayed confidence and initiative and set an example of cadet performance at an emergency.
