The Buckley Fire Department has been honored with the Fire House Award by the Washington State Fire Fighters' Association.
Fire Chief Alan Predmore accepted the award June 4 in Wenatchee, during an awards banquet at the WSFFA's 93th annual conference.
"It came as a complete surprise to us," Predmore said of the award, which was given this year for the first time. The department's nomination likely came from a member of the association's board of directors, he said.
The statewide association grants several awards each year and its board decided last year to add the Fire House Award. It is given in recognition of a department's efforts and support of its volunteer membership.
Predmore returned with a plaque that will remain at department headquarters just off Ryan Road, along with a perpetual plaque that will remain in Buckley until next year's winner is decided.
In announcing the award, WSFFA Immediate Past President T.J. Nedrow noted that the Buckley Fire Department has consistently demonstrated the value volunteers contribute to the department's mission.
"Support runs strong through the department and is seen within the community with every facet of the agency," Nedrow noted in a prepared release.