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3 <br /> 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations <br /> a. Length of Service Awards and Retirement Recognition of Firefighters <br /> The Board recognized sixty-five (65) fire district personnel (volunteer and career) who have <br /> provided a minimum of 20 years of service (average of 30 years) to Orange County, and <br /> approved proclamations honoring the accomplishments of four (4) retiring firefighters. <br /> BACKGROUND: In 2021, the Orange County Chief's Council requested that the Board of <br /> Commissioners create a Length of Service Awards Program to recognize the contributions of <br /> the County's firefighters. The Chief's Council proposed and approved the program criteria to <br /> recognize personnel from the ten (10) in-county fire departments and one (1) volunteer rescue <br /> squad that have provided at least 20 years of service or were retiring from service with a <br /> minimum of 20 years. <br /> To honor and recognize the service of fire service personnel, Orange County will present <br /> service award certificates at the following intervals: <br /> • 20 years <br /> • Every 5 years thereafter <br /> To honor and recognize the fire service personnel who will be retiring each fiscal year, the <br /> Board will consider proclamations recognizing the individual's achievements and contributions <br /> at the following intervals: <br /> • Any time at or beyond 20 years of service <br /> Emergency Services drafted the process for each department to submit names and <br /> accomplishments. <br /> Kirby Saunders, Emergency Services Director, thanked the Board for recognizing fire <br /> services personnel in the community. He said they provide exceptional service. He thanked the <br /> firefighters for what they do. <br /> Commissioner McKee read the following proclamation: <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING <br /> WILLIAM BLANKENSHIP <br /> RETIRING BATTALION CHIEF, CHAPEL HILL FIRE DEPARTMENT <br /> WHEREAS, in 1993, Mr. William Blankenship embarked on a career of public service by joining <br /> the Chapel Hill Fire Department as a full-time firefighter; and <br /> WHEREAS, Mr. Blankenship made numerous contributions to the Chapel Hill Fire Department <br /> and ultimately reached the rank of Battalion Chief; and <br /> WHEREAS, throughout his professional career, William Blankenship helped advance the <br /> Chapel Hill Fire Department by serving in a variety of roles including Training Captain, Captain, <br /> and ultimately as a Battalion Chief; and <br /> WHEREAS, through his dedication and service to the residents of Chapel Hill and the greater <br />