Virgil Shipley/ Mount Vernon News
At the Central Ohio Joint Fire District’s annual Christmas party on Saturday evening John Wells, right, was named firefighter of the year. Presenting Wells with his award is Chip Welch, president of the district’s fire board. During the program Fire Chief Joe Porter noted that 2010 is the 10th anniversary of the COJFD and the 50th anniversary of the Centerburg-Hilliar Township Fire Department. From 1885 until 1950 there was only a Centerburg fire company. Today, the district is comprised of Hilliar, Milford and Liberty townships. The district is under contract to provide fire and EMS protection with South Bloomfield Township in Morrow County.
