CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Wes Collins is the Cleveland Fire Department’s firefighter of the year.
He was honored this week at the department’s annual banquet and was given a round of applause and cheers as he accepted the award.
“The firefighters themselves nominate the recipient for this award. I think it’s awesome you take so much pride in making the choice of one of your own,” Fire Chief Chuck Atchley told the audience of firefighters and their families.
Collins has accepted assignments and excelled at several stations over the years, Atchley said.
Others recognized during the banquet at the Museum Center at Five Points included Craig Foote, who won the William V. Ragsdale Award; Tim McCullen, David Lee and Foote, who were given commander’s awards for the three battalions of the department; and Steve Hixon, who won the chief’s award.