The Manheim Volunteer Fire Department held its annual awards banquet on Feb. 19 to honor members for length of service and to present special awards. The fire department is an all-volunteer company that operates on the donations and support of the community. The fire department protects all of Manheim Borough and parts of Penn and Rapho townships.

Awards for years of service for 2020 include Brandon Reed, five years; Jason Reif, 10 years; Ryan Olesen, 30 years; DeAnn Carpenter, 40 years; Donald Kupres, 45 years; and Dennis Ober, 50 years. Awards for years of service for 2021 are Benjamin Herskowitz, Tom Kowalchik, and Benjamin Lapp, all five years; Lindsey Kirchner, Heather Landis, Tina Martzall, and Todd Wenger, all 10 years; Carl Metzler, 15 years; Jimm Landis, 20 years; Daniel Reif and Doug Shaub, both 35 years; and Deborah Kupres, 40 years.

Several members also received special awards: Mel Nauman, President's Award; Maggie Eckert, Firefighter of the Year; Don Kupres, Fire Chief's Award; and fire chief Andy Kirchner, Fire Officer of the Year. Fire police recognition was also given to Carl Metzler, fire police captain, and Nate Snyder, lieutenant and norm deck.

New members are welcome to join. For more information, contact Maggie Eckert at meckert@manheimfire.com or visit http://www.manheimfire.com.