The Greensburg Optimist Breakfast Club was held October 3, 2024, at 6:30 am at the Greensburg Fire Department. Breakfast was served and cooked by the firemen.
Douglas Orr began the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, Prayer, and a few jokes.
Brian Wenning took the microphone and had a few dad jokes as well. Brian thanked the firemen for their assistance in making and serving breakfast and told the crowd that they were going to make alligator for breakfast but all they had were crock pots. Brian began speaking about what is a firefighter and began describing the career and life of the 2024 Firefighter of the Year. It was apparent that the recipient knew who it was as soon as they began speaking. Brian said that he has worked with the recipient for many years and considers this individual an honoree firefighter. Brian stated that he and Merrill Smith began the tradition of giving the Firefighter of the Year award.
The 28th year that the Optimist Club has honored a Decatur County Firefighter honoring public service, dedication, and spirit of optimism.
The 2024 Greensburg Optimist Club Firefighter of the Year recipient is Calvin Venable. He has been in emergency services for 34 years as an EMT/Paramedic.
Calvin gave a few remarks thanking the club for this award and thanked those that he has worked with over the years. His family walked in when his name was called to surprise him about the award.
Nathan Stoermer, Fire Chief stood and thanked the Optimist Club and reminded everyone that this is Fire Prevention Week and asked everyone to check their fire alarms and to review their exit plans. He said that firefighters are in the schools this week working on Fire education.
The Greensburg Optimist Club presented a $200 check to the Greensburg Fire Department to be deposited into their Fire Safety Fund. The club also presented $200 to the Letts Fire Department.
