The Farmville Fire Department held its annual Christmas and awards banquet Dec. 14 at the Firemen’s Sports Arena to highlight the department’s accomplishments and its dedicated firefighters.

“We are very fortunate to have so many men and women dedicated to the department,” said Farmville Fire Department Chief Dean Farmer. “These men and women respond all hours of the day and night and dedicate many hours of training to be able to perform their job.”

During the banquet, the department recognized Brian Seimetz, naming him as the Firefighter of the Year. “Receiving the award was a huge honor, knowing that my hard work has paid off,” said Seimetz. “I couldn’t have done it without the department and all of the other firefighters — they have worked just as hard as me and helped me to gain more knowledge and push myself to the best I can be.”

Farmer said Seimetz has been an outstanding addition to the department since he joined just over a year ago.

According to Farmer, Seimetz was elected by his peers within the department. “That is a true testament of his respect by his fellow firefighters,” added Farmer.

Carson Rubin, who has been a member of the department since October 2018, received the Most Dedicated Firefighter award. “I feel truly honored to receive the award of most dedicated for 2019,” said Rubin. “Becoming a member of the Farmville Fire Department is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Farmer added, “Carson has dedicated many hours of his time in responses to calls as well as many hours of training.”