OXFORD – An annual Firemen's Banquet was held at the Village of Oxford Fire Department last Saturday to honor the year’s exemplary service and dedication to the Oxford community by some of the department's longest standing members.

A series of awards were presented during the banquet, which included the recognition of Fireman of the Year, Trumpet of Leadership, 50-year Service Award and the Clifford Ross Outstanding Service Award.

Oxford Fire Chief Mike Cobb awarded Edward Ross Fireman's Association 50 years service award; Greg Ross was honored as Firefighter of the year and Darryl Lanning the Trumpet of Leadership.

Chief Cobb presented Rich Howard the Clifford (Chuck) Ross Outstanding Service Award and detailed Howard's merits in his speech.

“In the past few years, Rich has taken on the duties as department Chaplin, developing a service for calling hours of members that have answered their last alarm,” said Cobb. “ He has always been available when the need for this service arises.”