Carthage Fire & Rescue was not able to hold the annual Christmas party back in December due to Covid-19.  Instead, the 2020 Awards Banquet was held on Tuesday January 21, 2021.  Those in attendance enjoyed a delicious meal provided by Valenti's Italian Restaurant in Vass, NC.  Each year awards are given for Officer Of The Year, Firefighter Of The Year and Service Before Self.  This year, things were a little different though.  Officer Of The Year was awarded to Asst. Chief Mike Cornell and Firefighter Of The Year was awarded to Firefighter Timothy Lytle for their outstanding dedication and service in 2020.  Three Service Before Self awards were presented this year.  The first was presented to DJ Gary Hunt for always going above and beyond for the department in years past as the DJ for the department Christmas parties and especially in June of 2020 when he donated his services to provide sound and music during the funeral for our fallen Captain Lanny Whitaker.  The second Service Before Self award was presented posthumously to fallen Firefighter/EMT Corbin Rogers for his service and dedication to the department and community.  His family was in attendance to accept the award on his behalf.  The third Service Before Self award was presented posthumously to fallen Captain Lanny Whitaker for his service and dedication to the department and community.  His family was also in attendance to accept the award on his behalf.  Both of these gentlemen gave all they had while they were with us and will be forever remembered and loved by all.  Lanny's sons, Andrew & Aiden, were also presented each with a special firefighter edition Henry Golden Boy .22 caliber lever action rifle on behalf of the department and Henry Repeating Arms.  Tanker 316 was also dedicated in memory of Captain Lanny Whitaker & Firefighter/EMT Corbin Rogers.  Two plaques were presented and will be installed on the apparatus in their memory.  All recipients are well deserved of acknowledgement, due to there outstanding service and selflessness for the department, fire district, and community.  Thank you to all of our award recipients, members, and families for all of your support and love that makes the Carthage Fire & Rescue all it can be for the community.  We love you all!!!