A number of employees of the Hughson Fire Department were honored at its annual awards and recognition dinner held on Jan. 25.

Michael Berner was named Hughson “Firefighter of the Year.”

Fire Chief Scott Berner was honored for 35 years of service while Chief Randall Kelley was recognized for 25 years of service. Justin Voss was noted for five years with the department and Aaron Lusher for one year.

Having served for 11 years, Jeff Serpa is retiring.

The Hughson Fire Protection District was established in 1915 as an all-volunteer fire district that protected mostly rural homes and property in the eastern portion of Stanislaus County. The district consists of 35 square miles, including the city of Hughson, with a combined total population of about 10,000 residents.

The fire department is a combination style department, meaning that paid and volunteer staff is used to respond to calls. One full-time chief who reports directly to the board of directors leads the department. The Board of Directors is comprised of five community elected officials that are stipend paid quarterly for their service in overseeing the administrative and financial solubility of the fire district.