The Cole County Fire Protection District recently held its annual service awards banquet.
The annual event is to show appreciation to the firefighters for their years of service and dedication to the district.
"I believe there is another aspect that really stands out with the 2010 service awards," said district spokesman Steve Cearlock. "We recognized 26 firefighters who have given 525 years of service to the district. The combined years of service of district personnel are over 1,100. This in itself shows the commitment to the district by its personnel in the aspects of training, call response and the rewards they feel as being a part of this fire district."