Fire department hands out annual awards

Fire department gathers for its annual awards banquet

Jan. 28 – Cornelius-Lemley Fire Rescue honored members of the department at its annual awards banquet, recognizing service, sacrifice, and commitment to the Cornelius community.

Kyle Graham was named Firefighter of the Year. Captain George “Obbie” Ross and firefighter Greg Sherrell were awarded Lifetime Member status in recognition of 20 years of service.

Chief Neal Smith was also honored for his 40 years of service to the department.

Sherrell additionally received recognition for his actions during a tragic 2003 ice storm incident on Interstate 77, where paramedic Tim Hayes was critically injured while responding to a crash.