Aaron Thomas was selected as the Bogalusa Rotary Club’s “Firefighter of the Year” during Tuesday’s club meeting.
Each year, the Rotary club honors local public servants in a variety of categories — including teachers, police officers and firefighters. This year, the club gave its honor to Thomas, a Bogalusa Fire Department veteran of 10 years, who is one of the fire truck drivers.
“Aaron Thomas is one of my guys that I can really count on,” said Bogalusa Fire Chief Richard Moody. “If you give him something to do, he will get it done.”
Thomas said he was humbled and appreciative of the honor.
He noted that citizens should always stop and say a prayer anytime they see a first responder headed to an incident. Thomas said to not only think about the responders, but also those involved in the accident.
He also noted that being a firefighter has been the best job he has ever had.
“Being a firefighter isn’t a job, or even a career,” he said. “It’s a calling. It takes a special person to do it.”