ESD Chief Eric White is pining on cadet Jaxon Moore the metal that indicates Moore has been promoted to cadet lieutenant. Looking on is master of ceremonies David Jackson, assistant chief of the volunteer fire department.
George Rowe delivers the featured speech for the Christmas Banquet given annually for the Cass County Emergency Services District 2.
Following the community banquet, volunteers of the fire department, pose for a picture. They are, (from left in dark shirts), T. J. Stagner, Connor Alexander, Josh Turner and Colin Alexander. In the center (in white shirts) are Chris Hill, Lucas Stone, Re
Cadet Christmas banquet
For more than 20 years, Cass County Emergency Services District Two has held an appreciation banquet for its citizens. It’s a chance for the district employees and volunteers to thank the citizens of district. It’s also the opportunity to recognize accomplishments of the youthful cadets.
“It’s an Important time to show taxpayers that the property and the district is being taken care of,” explain Fire Chief Eric White. “And a time to hear from them if there is a concern.”
The evening is held during the first weekend of December. Food is prepared and congratulations are made. A speaker who will explain the nature of a volunteer fireman is always presented as well.
Both cadets and firemen are dressed in uniforms that include coats and ties. Plenty of parents turn out to see the awards that go to people who serve. For than 40 youth and adults are members of the department.
The event is, indeed, a Christmas banquet. It is a good way to start the season.
“We believe that a volunteer fire department is not something you should be able to drive past and not know what it is. It should stand out as something to be proud of, not something you don’t know anything about until the moment you need it and make a call,” White said.
At the end of this year’s community banquet, which is catered annually by Tommie’s Barbecue, a member of the community was heard to say as he walked out the door, “Someone needs to tell the story of this district. What they’re doing is remarkable.”
The CCESD 2 is a combination of three fire stations and covers 165 square miles of what used to the old political precinct three. The district includes the areas of Queen City, Domino, Antioch, Piney Grove and Laws Chapel.