By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

HOOVER—For many people, the workweek ends at 5 p.m. on Friday, but not for the 178 men and women of the Hoover Fire Department. The department’s commitment to the city is an around the clock job.

The March 9 Hoover Fire Department Promotion and Awards Ceremony recognized the department’s service and awarded the dedication and careers of 17 firefighters.

“Our police and fire departments work 24/7, and they’re often forgotten until we need them,” Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey said. “These guys give it all, and I appreciate them all for it.”

Eight firefighters were awarded plaques noting their promotion over the past year.

Kevin Bentley, Neal DePiano and David Hambright were promoted to battalion chief; Timothy Lawson and Harold Rigsby were promoted to captain; and Christopher Fulmer, Brian Hallman and Joseph Harbarger were promoted to lieutenant.

“You are the best and the brightest this program has to offer,” Hoover Fire Chief Chuck Wingate said to the eight firefighters. “Positive changes will start with you.”

Seven firefighters who retired from the department over the past year were awarded plaques commemorating their dedication to the department. The seven men represent 175 years of combined service, Hoover Fire Department Executive Officer Rusty Lowe said.

“To the retirees…I’m very proud of you, you made it,” Wingate said. “It’s hard to replace the number of years of training we invested in you…thank you for your loyalty.”

Battalion Chief Ben Allison retired after 40 years of service; Firefighter Robert Fisher retired after 31 years of service; Firefighters Michael Keyes and Steve Rawlings retired after 30 years of service each; Firefighter Brad Wilson retired after 24 years of service; Lieutenant Rodger Cofer retired after 18 years of service; and the event program also listed the retirement of Firefighter Michael Savage.

The department also honored the memory of retired Captain Fred Barton, who died in August 2015 after battling cancer. Barton retired in 2001, after serving the Hoover Fire Department for more than 30 years.

“He had a love for the job and he mentored many young firefighters,” Hoover Fire Department Battalion Chief Rick Patterson said. “He was calm in the face of chaos.”

Lawson, the Hoover Firefighter of the Year, and Senior Fire Inspector Richard Linn were both commended during the ceremony.

The Hoover Fire Department Promotions and Awards Ceremony concluded with a check presentation totaling $15,000 to Camp Conquest, a camp for pediatric burn survivors, and $10,000 to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center for prostate cancer research.