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Belmont County Firefighters Honored at Dinner for Achievements

Firefighters from across the county were honored Saturday night during the annual Belmont County Fire & Squad Officers Association dinner.

Three accomplished firefighters with ties to the area received the Valley Boy Award in honor of their work.

David Whiting a retired fire chief from the Columbus Fire Department, began his career in 1976 with the Colerain Fire Department. He currently works as a contract instructor with the National Fire Academy in leadership, safety, and community risk reduction and sits on an Ohio emergency response commission, as well as the International Association of Fire Chiefs Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee. Whiting said the local recognition has great significance for him.

John Slavik began training at St. Clairsville Fire Department in 1977. He worked for the Department of Defense at the Quantico Marine Base fire department, then served at the District of Columbia Fire Department in Washington D.C. He was in charge of the phone unit attending every takeoff and landing of the President of the United States. He also served on Engine Company 10, which topped 9,000 runs a year. He was heavily involved in training programs. He was twice awarded the District of Columbia’s highest honor, the Bar of Valor for bravery. More recently, he served as Cumberland Trail’s fire chief from 2017 to 2018.

Slavik recognized several of the senior firefighters and honorees, saying many of his heroes were present.

George Rippey started at the St. Clairsville Fire Department in 1977, then served as a fire captain in Mansfield. He retired March 4.

Lifetime Achievement Awards went to six people including Jim Delman, who has served as a firefighter since the 1970s and currently works as operation chief and deputy director of Belmont County 911. He was also instrumental in starting the Belmont County Tanker Task Force.

Another award went to Bruce Henderson, retired chief of St. Clairsville Fire Department. Ohio River and Western Fire District Fire Chief David Lenz also was an award recipient. He has been a firefighter since 1975.

Ty Wilson was named 911 Dispatcher of the Year.

Thomas Coyne, firefighter with the Wolfhurst, Bridgeport, OR&W and Cumberland Trail fire departments, was named EMT of the Year.

Shadyside Firefighter Mark Coates was named Paramedic of the Year.

Bethesda Firefighter and Assistant Chief Chris Hunt was named Firefighter of the Year.

Martins Ferry Assistant Fire Chief Cody Engleman was named Fire Officer of the Year.

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