By Mark Archibald
The Corsicana Fire Department celebrated their last year of accomplishments during their annual awards banquet on the evening of Feb. 21.
Guests included friends and family, as well as Corsicana Mayor Joe Hill, City Manager Jim Holgersson, and Pct. 2 City Councilwoman Shayla Johnson.
“Corsicana’s Fire Service and EMS are among the finest examples of dedication and professionalism. It was an honor to see many of them recognized for their great work and contributions to our city,” said Corsicana Mayor Joe Hill.
“The bay of Fire Station 1 looked awesome, like a ball room,” said Corsicana Assistant Fire Chief Wade Gillen.
Corsicana Fire Chief Michael Ryan said, “The event was a good time, and opportunity for all of us to get together, and honor the work we did and what we will continue to do.”
The night was highlighted by awards for Firefighter of the Year recipient Caleb Curl, Officer of the Year, Ryan Clewis, Rookie of the Year, Owen Abbe.
Bill Stovall earned the 2026 Service Above Self Award, designed to recognize the firefighter who goes above and beyond for the firefighting community.
Stovall currently has 36 years of service with the Corsicana Fire Department, “Bill will go anywhere and do anything for us,” said Chief Ryan.
The Department also recognized several other members for their years of service.
The contributions of Capt. Dylan Newland, Driver Engineer, Kolby Parker, Fire Marshall Brian Mundie, and Capt. Richard Hayes, were also spotlighted. The group are members of the Texas Interstate Fire Mutual Aid System team, which works together with other entities across the state to render aid during natural disasters including last year’s floods.
According to the website, TIFMAS members receive specialized training for various emergency scenarios.
Chief Ryan thanked attendees in his closing remarks, by acknowledging the family members of Corsicana’s fire and EMS service, “who sacrifice so they can protect the residents of Corsicana, and the State of Texas.”