The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary recognized volunteers during an installation dinner at the Flame Room on Friday. The Auxiliary will have a more formal volunteer recognition in May, when the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department celebrates its 100th anniversary.
The Auxiliary itself is celebrating its 76th anniversary serving the fire department. The group boasts 38 members.
From November 2001 to October 2002, volunteers performed 3,341 hours of community service. Activities ranged from coordinating the fall bazaar, bake sales and a Santa lunch at the Vienna Community Center, to providing food during weekly bingo games. All proceeds go toward the fire department. Future activities might include a pancake breakfast and spaghetti dinners.
"The great thing about the Auxiliary is that you give what you can," said Auxiliary president Joan M. Dempsey.
Members also recognized Pam Johnstone, who served the Auxiliary for seven years as vice president, and Vienna mayor Jane Seeman swore in the board members and officers for 2003.
"I can't pick a better charity than the fire department to donate time to, because they do so much for the community," Johnstone said.
The following volunteers were recognized for the years of service:
For 10 years, Martha Armstrong, Carol Blevins, Boots Curry, Joan Dempsey and Marie Hart; for 20 years, Peggie Murray, Rose Schardt and Rita Slaughter; for 30 years, Mildred Bispo.
The 2003 officers are the following: Joan Dempsey, president; Angela Barlow, vice president; Carol Blevins, secretary; Paige Gutierrez, treasurer; Boots Curry, chaplain. The 2003 board members are Goldie Appleton, Martha Armstrong, Mildred Bispo, Joan Dempsey, Betty Evans, Marie Hart and Vera I. Lloyd.