Chris Money named 2019 Unadilla Township Firefighter of the Year

by Wendy Hause

Almost daily we hear news of how firefighters around the world risk their own lives trying to save others, most recently in Australia. Sometimes we are tempted to forget that here in our own community we have firefighters who stand ready to do the same for our lives and property. With that in mind on Dec. 21, 2019, the UTFD launched its first annual Unadilla Township Firefighter of the Year, and selected one such firefighter, Sgt. Chris Money, to receive the award.

According to Linda Walker, Unadilla Township Supervisor, “The award recognizes and honors an individual firefighter who has demonstrated outstanding professional capabilities, leadership, and dedicated service to the community during the past year.” She said Money was chosen for a variety of reasons.

“He has really stepped up in his duties since our former Chief became ill,” Walker said of the long-time Unadilla resident who grew up in the area and attended Stockbridge Community Schools. “Chris has been a great asset to our department and deserves this recognition.”

This writer has witnessed Money repeatedly demonstrate that he is dedicated to the Unadilla community as an emergency responder, no matter what type of call is received. He has worked hard to develop his leadership skills and to teach and train fellow UTFD members. Money has also been an outstanding asset to the care and maintenance of the fire hall and its contents, keeping things shipshape and prepared for the next emergency.