The Suffolk Department of Fire & Rescue promoted 17 personnel and honored nine personnel, volunteers and civilians with annual awards during a ceremony at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront last week.

The ceremony took place in front of a crowd of more than 200 firefighters, family and friends.

“It is the city’s expectation that you will continue to distinguish yourselves,” City Manager Patrick Roberts said during the ceremony. “We’re calling you out today.”

Mayor Linda T. Johnson honored the firefighters’ bravery and courage and especially thanked family members of the firefighters.

“You know your loved one has chosen to go out and put their lives on the line,” Johnson said.

Chief Cedric Scott said the process was a “long time coming.”

“I think along the way, some people thought this day would never happen,” he said.

The only person at the ceremony who arrived unaware that she would receive an award was Pam King, who received the Fire Chief’s Award of Excellence. She is a fire investigator and public education specialist.

“I was not a good investigator,” she joked after the ceremony.

King has been with the department since 2000 and has worked for the city since 1986. She has been involved in many public education programs over the years, especially outreach to youth, and also participates in additional community service activities.

Scott said King is “a person who never says no, who gives 100 percent in everything she does.”

The Firefighter of the Year award went to Kenneth Nelms, who “spent countless hours on and off duty working on the fire hose program,” according to a city press release. He was instrumental in the research that led to the department investing $100,000 in much needed new fire hose.

“Nelms’ hard work and dedication has made the department a safer place for our members and the citizens we protect,” the release stated.

Joseph A. Jarman was named Paramedic of the Year. He has been in the department since 2003 and a paramedic for nine years.

“His peers have said that Joe is very compassionate toward his patients,” the press release stated. “He treats all patients like he is treating a member of his own family.”

Jarman also has been the Muscular Dystrophy Association Fill the Boot coordinator for the last three years and was an MDA camp counselor from 2009 to 2015.

Eddie Smith, a member of the Whaleyville Volunteer Fire Department, was named Volunteer Firefighter of the Year. He is also a naval cryptologic technician, and his military experience has served the Whaleyville volunteers well with his knowledge of computers, programs and technical awareness.

Eric Wynne, a member of the Holland Volunteer Fire Department, was named the Most Active Volunteer. He has served 116 duty hours during the last year and recently continued his education by completing an emergency vehicles operations course. He also works for Emergency Medical Response during the day.

Capt. John D. Wilson earned the Medal of Merit.

“Captain Wilson has a long history of exceptional customer service to the citizens of Suffolk,” the press release stated. “He constantly exhibits exceptional customer service to the citizens as well as his co-workers.”

Lt. Jeremy E. Gould and Senior Firefighter John M. Piver earned the Medal of Valor for their quick action on March 30, 2015. They rescued a female who was attempting to take her own life who had waded about 150 feet into the river. The water was around 45 degrees that day, and she was chest-deep in it, according to the press release.

Gould and Piver acted without regard for their own safety to wade out and retrieve her. They decided waiting for a unit with cold water suits would take too long. They were able to rescue her.

Joe Therrien, a civilian, received the Certificate of Appreciation. He opened his home and heart for about six weeks to the family of a Suffolk Youth Public Safety Academy student who lost their home to a fire during the academy, despite the fact he did not know the family prior. “Not only did Therrien provide shelter for the family, he also provided meals,” the press release stated.

Also at the ceremony, Owen C. Thomasson was promoted to Battalion Chief. He joined the department in 1995 and has earned an associate degree in fire science at Tidewater Community College.

Promoted to captain were Raymond E. Willett, Nicholas W. Savage, James C. Sessoms, Keith W. Johnson, Marc M. Wilkerson, Brian A. Bunting and Eric L. Matthews.

Promoted to lieutenant were Colton S. Pulley, Roger W. Stinnette Jr., Theresa D. Monroe, Durand O. Coltrane, Charles P. Chapin, Bradford T. Saunders, Rainey O. Dail, Christopher K. Hehl and Benjamin R. Brower.