Firemen honor Bo Brantley

The Flomaton Volunteer Fire Department kicked off what they hope will be an on-going tradition by selecting an honorary fireman who has dedicated his or her life to not only supporting the fire department but the Flomaton Community and the first recipient, Bo Brantley, 85, received his fire helmet this week as an honorary lieutenant.

"You have given so much to this community," fireman Chris White said as he bestowed the honor on Brantley. "You served as the voice of the Hurricanes, worked with multiple organizations and helped make Flomaton a better place."

Although Brantley lives outside the Flomaton town limits, he said he considers Flomaton his home. He serves on the board of directors of the Flomaton Chamber of Commerce and has served as chairman of the Railroad Junction Committee among other things.

Brantley said while he never served as a fireman, he was with a group that helped start the Pollard Volunteer Fire Department which later became the Friendship Volunteer Fire Department.

"You have done so much for this community and supported this fire department, this is a token of our appreciation, White said in presenting Brantley with the helmet.

Brantley was 'summoned' to the fire department Tuesday morning not knowing what it was about and White first said the fire department needed his help and Brantley said he thought they needed money.

He said he knew something was up when his wife got dressed early and then knew something was up when he saw his granddaughter Courtney Rabon at the fire department.

White and Fire Chief Steve Stanton said they wanted to make it a tradition to honor people in Flomaton who have given so much back to the community. Flomaton High School received the first honor and Brantley is the first individual to receive the honor and the helmet.