Morrow honored at chamber banquet

For more than 25 years, John Morrow responded to the call without hesitation.

Morrow volunteered for the past 27 years with the local QRU, which he helped start, as well as the past 20 years with the Somers Volunteer Fire Department. He has served on the board of trustees or directors for both.

These efforts are what made him this year's recipient of the Captain's Award for the community volunteer of the year from the Lakeside-Somers Chamber of Commerce.

The award, given based on nominations by chamber members and then a selection by an awards committee, recognizes civic and volunteer spirit that spans a lifetime of making the Lakeside and Somers communities better places to live.

The award was presented at the second annual Captain's Award Dinner held at Glacier Camp and Conference Center in Lakeside last Thursday.

"It's just humbling to think people recognized me and thought of me to give me this award. It just took me away," Morrow said.

Morrow's volunteer work doesn't stop with local emergency services. Morrow can also be seen driving a forklift down the highway once a month for Sliters Ace Hardware to help unload pallets at the local food bank. He has worked for Sliters for 32 years and is currently the Lakeside store manager.

Morrow expressed appreciation to his employer for always letting him go out on volunteer calls.

"The community we live in is great. It's really nice to have businesses that support volunteers," Morrow said. "We are all working together."

Roughly 65 people attended the award dinner, where the award for Chamber Member of the Year was also given.

Dee Kirk Boon, former chamber president, received the award for going "above and beyond the call of duty" for the chamber.

"Our chamber is only as good as its members," current President Dave Christensen said. "The chamber would not function without the extraordinary efforts of some members."

Both award recipients received plaques as well as a piece of donated artwork.