The Lewes Fire Department held its 217th Anniversary Celebration and Awards Banquet Jan. 19 at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Shown receiving the 2012 top responders awards are in back (l-r) Woody Magee, Kristin Miller, Fred Slater, Bob Ruddick, Eric Swanson, Walt Reynolds Jr. and Jay Campbell. In front are Ed Schaeffer, Wally Evans, Barry Schneider, Richard Conning, Logan Chorman, Shane Raley and Troy Virden.

The Junior Firefighters presented an Appreciation Award to Ed Schaeffer for his hard work improving the program. Shown are (l-r) Jacob Slater, Taylor Cirrilo, Schaeffer, Robby Rogers and Michael Arnett. (Photo by: Steven Billups)

Robby Rogers was presented with the Junior Firefighter of the Year award. Shown are (l-r) Woody Magee, Cliff Stabner, Walt Reynolds Jr., Jacob Slater, Taylor Cirrilo, Ed Schaeffer, Rogers, Michael Arnett, Aiden Gause, Glenn Marshall and Troy Virden. (Photo by: Steven Billups)

Deputy Chief Gordon Davis, surrounded by his family, holds a gold watch presented to him for his 20 years of service. Shown are (l-r) Carrie, Gordon, Autumn, Joan and Chip Davis. (Photo by: Steven Billups)

The Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to Ed Schaeffer. Shown are (l-r) Woody Magee, Ed Schaeffer, Patty Scaheffer, Bob Nicholson and Troy Virden. (Photo by: Steven Billups)

Rosemary and Chic Barici of Etched in Time Engraving were presented with an honorary membership for their years of contribution to the fire department. Shown are (l-r) Rich Bunting, Woody Magee, Rosemary and Chic Barici, and Troy Virden. (Photo by: Steven Billups)

Past Chief Robert Palmer was presented with an honorary membership. Shown are (l-r) Woody Magee, Robert and Diane Palmer, and Troy Virden. (Photo by: Steven Billups)

Aiden Gause, center, was presented with the President's Award by Past President Troy Virden, left, and 2013 President Woody Magee. (Photo by: Steven Billups)

The Chief’s Award was presented to Bob Nicholson for his dedication to the department's fire prevention program. Shown are (l-r) Troy Virden, Wally Evans, Nicholson and Woody Magee. (Photo by: Steven Billups)

Wally Evans is presented with a ceremonial fire ax for his 38 years of distinguished service. Shown are (l-r) Troy Virden, Evans and Woody Magee. (Photo by: Steven Billups)

The Louis A. Rickards award is presented in memory of firefighter Lou Rickards, who was killed in the line of duty. The award this year was presented to Gordon Davis. Shown are (l-r) Woody Magee, Troy Virden, Trish Rickards, Michael Arnett, Davis, and award sponsors Rosemary and Chic Barici. (Photo by: Steven Billups)

Closing the ceremony was the presentation of the gavel to outgoing President Troy Virden, right, by 2013 President Woody Magee. (Photo by: Steven Billups)