From left, Statton, Demarest, Tilden and Rombough
Text and Photo by Steve Silverman
The Greenlawn Fire Department recently presented Firefighter Al Statton with the "Firefighter of the Year Award" in recognition of his dedicated service to the department and contribution to the community.
After retiring from a 20-year career in the United States Army ten years ago, Statton returned to reserve duty and was recently promoted to Sergeant Major. Together with his wife Connie, they organized Operation Home Comfort, collecting and shipping more than 6,000 pounds of donated supplies for the 3,500 soldiers in their son Aaron's battalion.
Aaron Rombough is a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army 215th Field Artillery Unit, 10th Mountain Brigade. Aaron, 27, has served three tours of duty in Iraq and has been awarded the Purple Heart three times for wounds received in the line of duty. Aaron has also been awarded 12 other ribbons for his military service.
Al and Aaron received standing ovations at the department's 106th annual installation of officers, and presented the department with a commendation for their support on behalf of Aaron's battalion.
Accepting the military honors are Greenlawn Fire Chief Scott Demarest, left center, and Department President Lee Tilden, right center.