A pair of longtime Poplar Bluff firefighters were recognized recently for their commitments to public service and work.
Fire Chief Mike Moffitt announced Battalion Chief Roy Lane as the 2021 Fire Officer of the Year, while Jon Miller was named 2021 Firefighter of the Year.
Lane has been a firefighter for 26 years, including the last 20 in Poplar Bluff.
“Roy and I have come up through the ranks together, and he is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen on the fire ground,” Moffitt said.
Lane, Moffitt said, recently was promoted from captain to battalion chief.
“I am proud to have been able to promote him to battalion chief,” Moffitt said. “He’s done an excellent job as an officer. He’s always encouraging the younger guys to train and to be the best they can be.”
“It means a lot to be picked by your peers,” Lane said of his award.
“These guys work with me every day and live with me, and it’s nice to know they think that highly of me,” he added.
Lane noted the department has “a lot of guys that could have received this award, but I was honored to get it.”
Public service, Lane said, has always been in his blood.
“I like helping the public and making a difference,” he said.
He also feels strongly about setting an example for others to follow.
“I want to be an example for the young kids,” he said.
Lane, who is married with one son, admits he is thinking of his future retirement, but is living each day on the job to its fullest now.
“I ain’t done until I’m done,” he said.
Miller has been a Poplar Bluff firefighter for the last nine years.
“Jon is very well respected at PBFD. He is one of those guys you can always depend on, whether you’re working at a fire scene or just doing his daily duties,” Moffitt said of Miller.
“With his training, work ethic and good morals, I expect him to be one of the leaders here at PBFD in the future,” Moffitt added.
“The reason it means a lot to me is because it was voted on by my peers, and having their trust and their respect to vote for me for an award like this … I can’t think of much that would mean more than having their seal of approval,” Miller said.
Like his coworkers, Miller said, he finds great satisfaction in public service.
His favorite part of the job, he said, “for sure is helping people.”
“Usually when we’re on the scene and dealing with people, they’re having their worst day, and being able to be a part of turning that around for them means a lot,” he said.
Even when lives are not endangered, Miller said, he understands the gravity of each situation he’s called into.
“I know how hard people work for things and how much their things mean to them,” he said.
Miller, who is married and has three children, plans to continue at the Poplar Bluff Fire Department, he said.
“I plan to stay here and keep doing what I’m doing. I must be doing something right,” he said.