Note: The following item was provided by the Polk County Volunteer Fire Department for posting. – KtE

The Polk County Volunteer Fire Department’s holiday dinner saw Fire Chief Barry Trammell awarded the first annual Roy E. Anderson Fire Officer of the Year Award. 

Trammell was very surprised and thankful for the honor of being the first to receive the award.

The award is named after former Fire Chief Roy Anderson, who was the first Fire Chief of Polk County and responsible for organizing the Polk County Volunteer Fire Department in the early 1970s and served in the position until his retirement in August of 2011.

Those who hold a rank of Lieutenant up to Fire Chief will be eligible for the award and will be nominated by their peers. The award will be given to one person who has exhibited monumental acts of leadership and devout service to the Polk County Fire Department and the citizens of Polk County that embodies the mission of the Polk County Fire Department.

Landon Hendrix with the Polk County Fire Department stated that “we wanted to memorialize Chief Anderson in a way that his memory could live on forever!”

Hendrix also stated “If it wasn’t for Barry I wouldn’t be the firefighter I am today! I’m honored to work under him, and to call him my friend.”

Trammell joined the Department in September of 1990 at Lake Creek Fire Station. He has served in many positions including Station Chief, Battalion Chief, and now Fire Chief.

He has been awarded Firefighter of the Year multiple years and was named 2010 Fire Officer of the Year for the State of Georgia. 

Elaine Anderson who was married to Chief Anderson for many years said “Barry is the most deserving person for the award! It’s beautiful. Roy would be proud! Especially for the person who received the award.”

The firefighters of Polk County Fire Department want to thank Chief Trammell for his dedicated service and leadership throughout his career.