Centerville recognizes firefighters, medics

Centerville Fire/Rescue is recruiting new members as it welcomes some new leaders and celebrates service milestones.

During CFR and Centerville Police Department’s combined Christmas party, Captain Josh Minnix was named 2025 Firefighter of the Year, recognizing his dependability and mentorship to newer members.

“His dedication, leadership and commitment to our department and community truly set the standard,” Chief Andy Aughe said.

Minnix recently became captain after Hank Dennis stepped down. Around that time, Tim Brown took over as fire training coordinator.

Kyle Mantooth was named 2025 Reserve Firefighter of the Year to recognize his hard work, reliability and willingness to step up whenever needed.

Other recognition and updates

• Caleb Snowden and John Davis received Emergency Medical Responder pins, and cadets Josh Creech, Corey Lawrence and Rylan Mack were recognized for active service.
• Milestone recognition went to firefighter Tammy Smith (25 years), Battalion Chief Phil Bedel (20 years), Chief Andy Aughe and Assistant Chief Jimmy Lawrence (15 years) and firefighter Donnie Miller (10 years).
• CFR is gathering the names of deceased firefighters who previously served with its department to remember their legacies. Displays are planned in the meeting room. Names, years of service if known and additional information can be sent to asmith@centervillefirerescue.org.
• Volunteers still squeeze in some fun at the holidays. During the Dec. 15 EMS training night, crews had to get through an escape room using their medical knowledge, see who was the fastest at wrapping gifts and work as a team to get their bodies in a hula hoop.
• CFR will provide free training for those 18 and older interested in serving in firefighting or emergency medical services. For more information, visit centervillefirerescue.org or pick up applications at 6:45 p.m. Mondays at Station 1, 414 S. Morton Ave., Centerville.

Call logs

In November, CFR took 56 calls. Thirty-two were medical, 20 were fire-related and four fell into the “other” category. Fire calls involve structure fires, fire alarms, car wrecks and related needs.

In October, volunteers handled 63 calls. Forty-one were medical, 14 were fire-related and eight were “other.”