Givens Brothers Recognized for Century of Service

 

 

Story and Pictures by Beverly Bonilla

 

On May 7, two Butler County brothers were recognized for a lifetime of dedication and sacrifice as they received the Community Service Award from the Butler County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The ceremony was held at the Eva Hawes building at the Morgantown City Park and brought together community leaders, firefighters, family, and friends to honor the commitment of local first responders.

The evening began with a meal and fellowship, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer.  Mayor Billy Phelps and Judge Executive Tim Flener were in attendance to sign proclamation recognizing International Firefighters Week beginning May 4^th in honor of all Butler County firefighters during National Firefighters Week.  Five proclamations were signed, representing each of the five fire departments.

International Firefighters Day, established in 1999, serves as a time to remember firefighters around the world who have lost their lives in the line of duty while protecting others. It also recognizes the dedication, courage, and sacrifice firefighters continue to show every day. Firefighters come from all walks of life, they are our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, neighbors, and friends who willingly place themselves in dangerous situations to protect their communities.  Whether responding to fires, vehicle accidents, storms, floods, or medical emergencies, firefighters are often the first to answer the call when people are facing some of the worst moments of their lives.

Volunteer firefighters make tremendous sacrifices, balancing family life, jobs, and personal responsibilities while remaining ready at any hour to serve their communities.  They spend countless hours training, maintaining equipment, attending meetings, and responding to emergencies, often without expecting recognition or reward.  Their commitment is built on compassion, courage, teamwork, and a deep love for the people they serve.

During the ceremony, brothers Ronald Wayne Givens and Stevie R. Givens were recognized by the Butler County Chapter of the NSDAR for their combined 100-plus years of service with the Morgantown Volunteer Fire Department and their commitment to the community.

 

 

Ronald joined the fire department in 1968.  Shortly after becoming a firefighter, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving three years including deployment to Vietnam.  Ronald also would continue to help the Morgantown Volunteer Fire Department when he was home on leave, helping where he could at the station. After discharge, Ronald returned to Butler County and continued working with the fire department. He has served many positions such as Chief, Assistant Chief, Captain, Lieutenant and Sergeant. Ronald has also served on the Morgantown City Council and is a member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Stevie began his service with the fire department in 1975, right after graduating high school and serves continuously throughout today.  He has also served Butler County as a six-term member of the Butler County Fiscal Court.  Stevie represented the county on the Barren River Area Development District Board of Directors, the Kentucky County Magistrates Association Board of Directors, where he currently serves as Vice President, and the Kentucky Insurance Association Board of Directors.

Together, the brothers have held numerous leadership positions with the department and community. They have responded to thousands of fires and emergencies while also assisting during floods, severe storms, and other disasters throughout Butler County.  They have also been heavily involved in community activities, participating in parades, firefighters Olympics, and roadblocks to raise money for local organizations and families in need.

Judge Executive Tim Flener praised the brothers for their dedication and example to other young men and women coming up as firefighters. Mayor Billy Phelps stated “For two brothers being so different, they do have one thing in common. That is their love for this community and how they want to help support it.”

The evening served not only as a celebration of two remarkable men, but also as a reminder of the important role firefighters play in every community.  Through long hours, dangerous conditions, and countless sacrifices, firefighters continue to stand ready to protect lives and property while serving others with honor, humility and selflessness.

Congratulations to Ronald and Stevie for your many years of commitment, dedication, and service to the Butler County community.  Your countless sacrifices, leadership, and willingness to always help others have made a lasting impact on generations throughout Butler County.  Thank you for protecting and serving your community with honor and pride through the years.