Warren County is seeking to recognize Fred Hillis for his years of service with the Warren County Rescue Squad.
“We are going to have either a proclamation or a resolution to be presented to Fred Hillis for his 37 years of being the Rescue Squad chief,” said Commissioner Randy England.
Members of the county Safety Committee discussed the measure Monday. Also in attendance were Teddy Boyd, chair, Carl D. Bouldin, Ron Lee and Charles Morgan.
“He was actually in the Rescue Squad longer than that,” said England. “He has been a member since Sept. 21, 1971 but he didn’t become chief until December 1977. He’s been up here many, many times over the years asking for funding. I think he did a tremendous job as chief.”
Hillis retired in 2014. The current chief is Chad Hillis and assistant chief is Kyle Jones.
“That’s a lot of years to volunteer,” said Bouldin.
The mission of the Warren County Rescue Squad is to provide competent and caring aid to the victims of emergencies in the community. It’s a volunteer organization, meaning no one gets paid for their time. Funding for its activities comes from county and city government, private donations and fundraising efforts with country ham breakfasts offered throughout the year.
The organization offers an annual Christmas toy drive that benefits children ages birth through 12.
“That Christmas toy drive is a big event for them,” said Bouldin.
England says before the families were asked to pick up their toys, volunteers spent all day delivering them to their homes.
“Just think how many Saturday mornings he worked without making a penny,” said England. “Maybe no one remembers this but they used to deliver the toys. It took them all day long to do it, but they did it.”
The presentation to Hillis is scheduled to be made during the full Warren County Commission meeting on Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m.