BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Inez Volunteer Fire Department named Jerimiah Varney the 2022 Volunteer of the Year for his dedication and service.

According to IVFD member Alex Adams, over the past couple of years, Varney obtained his 150-hour Kentucky certification along with the mandatory recertification for every year. He also attended every in-house training along with training conducted at other departments.

“He managed to make it to roughly 95% of calls and was always eager to work,” Adams said. “His attitude towards other members is fantastic, and his pride for the department and the citizens is second to none. He is a great member and you can always count on him to be there when something is going on, no matter what it is.”

Varney, a resident of Inez, joined the department in 2017.

“Jerimiah is a prime example of what a standout volunteer contributes and why they are so important,” IVFD member Jarrod Slone said. “Of the hundreds of calls we get each year, he is one that we can depend on to be at almost each and every one of them.

Most days, Varney can be found at the station cleaning, organizing, washing the apparatus or doing other jobs.

“He is always willing to go the extra mile to help out with anything and always does it with a smile on his face,” said Slone.

“A volunteer department has to have people like Jerimiah who will drop whatever they’re doing and hit the ground running. He is a true asset to our department. We want to extend our congratulations on receiving the award, and a sincere thank you for all he has done and will continue to do in the future.”