Sumrall firefighter Coy Graves became the first recipient of the American Legion Post 61’s Firefighter of the Year during a recent ceremony.
Rex Hasty, commander of Post 61, said naming Graves of the Sumrall Volunteer Fire Department has a twofold purpose.
“We want to recognize the work that our firefighters and police officers do every day,” he said. “We also want to get more involved in the community and be an important part of Sumrall.”
Graves said the commendation came as a surprise.
“I didn’t even know I was nominated until the day before the commendation,” he said.
Graves is a member of the Sumrall, Hickory Grove and Oloh volunteer fire departments.
Hasty said the commendations are important because they are chosen by their peers.
“When we were getting the candidates for the commendation, we went to the mayor,” he said. “Then, he went to the departments and they chose who was the most deserving person. I think that having your peers choose the Firefighter of the Year has a special meaning.”
Hasty said the American Legion Post 61 also plans to give a similar award during December for the Sumrall Teacher of the Year.
