Thomas receives blazing honors
By Dennis Kutac REPORTER

Ronnie Thomas has been named the 2008 Firefighter of the Year in Groves

When Ronnie Thomas was asked if he'd like to join the Groves Volunteer Fire Department, he will be the first to admit he didn't have any prior experience.

But nine years of training, observing and taking an interest and an active role in the department has earned him a unique honor.

Thomas, 47, has been named the department's 2008 Firefight of the Year.

Thomas said he joined the Groves Volunteer Fire Department in 1999.

"I was a city employee already and I had friends who were in the department.

"They asked me if I would be interested in being a volunteer. I didn't know anything about fire services, but I was curious," he said.

The fire department would have regular drills each Wednesday night and Thomas said he began going out to watch them.

"I got intrigued by it. I became impressed with the camaraderie. These guys all come from different backgrounds, but when they are working together, they come together like brothers," he said.

That's when he said he got interested and decided to join.

"I got into the department, hung around, observed, went to drills and tried to learn as much as I could," he said

In 2001, he was sent to Texas A&M University for Fire School to continue his education in the field.

After being with the department for a while Thomas got more involved and began serving on the equipment committee and the March of Dimes Association committee.

In 2005 he ran for an office of the volunteer fire department for the first time and is now beginning his third term as president. He also completed his basic firefighter certification from the state fireman and fire marshal that same year

Thomas said he appreciates being selected by the Firefighter of the Year committee as well as for the opportunity to be part of the fire department.

"It's a rewarding job. We get to help our community out and working with these guys has been an enjoyable experience. We have a solid department with good people and any of them deserve this award just as much me. We are a tight knit family and this is something I plan to stay around as long as I can," he said.

Groves Fire Chief Dale Jackson said Thomas has been a good addition to his department, which is comprised of both paid and volunteer firefighters.

"Once he came under this department he took a real active role. One of the things he did was learn to drive the second run truck for us and he has also served on a number of our committees. He's real dependable and just a great guy to be around. He's just another member of this family," Jackson said.

Thomas was honored Feb. 28 at a banquet at the Courtyard Café in Groves. He has lived in Groves his whole life