Exchange club names fire fighter of quarter

By DAVID MORRIS

Cove Leader-Press

The Morning Exchange Club of Copperas Cove honored their firefighter of the quarter, Wednesday morning and received an update from Fire Chief Michael Neujahr on the expenses incurred while outfitting the firefighters of his staff. “Firefighter of the quarter was a pretty easy decision for me,” said Neujahr. “I have no concerns when I know that this firefighter is on the truck. When I hear Dwane on the radio out at a call I know he has it all under control. Besides having the minimum requirements to be a firefighter he has gone above and beyond in continuing his education with additional certifications.” Chief Neujahr along with Morning Exchangite Joe DeCroce presented LT Dwane Cummings with his plaque naming him the firefighter of the quarter. Cummings has served with the department for 10 years. He was born in Coryell County and follows his grandfather’s footsteps in serving with the Copperas Cove Fire Department. “He has set himself up to be an amazing shift commander, and I know his guys on shift really appreciate him,” said Neujahr. Briefing the club on the bunker gear and the process he uses when assessing a scene, Cummings shared the suits weigh more than 80 pounds and are fire resistant not fire proof and the bunker gear on the firefighters averages more than $16,000 per firefighter. “We risk a little to save a little and risk a lot to save a lot,” said Cummings. “Every one of our firefighters would give our life trying to save a life in a fire.” Also during the weekly meeting, the club announced the dates for the 17th annual charity golf tournament set for Oct. 17 at the hills of cove golf course. Registration for the annual tournament is set to start at 7 a.m. with a hole in one prize on hole 10 being a new car from All American Chevrolet. A cash prize of $5,000 is set for hole eight. Registration fees for the Florida scramble format are $60 per player and include lunch and cart rental. Hole sponsorships are available for $100 that includes a sign at the tee box and recognition in the newspaper. Teams can be sponsored for $240. Start time for the 17th annual tournament is 8 a.m. on Oct. 17.