The Big Sandy Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) recently named Sheriff Kenny Christopher as the 2024 recipient of the Annual Joe Ray Christopher Outstanding Firefighter Award. The sheriff usually is a presenter of the award named for his late father, not its recipient.
The award highlights the dedication and outstanding efforts of an individual to support the Big Sandy VFD and the community in a professional and compassionate manner. The sheriff was quite surprised to see his name on the plaque this year.
“This is an unbelievable honor for me,” Sheriff Christopher said.
The Joe Ray Christopher Award honors those attributes that the sheriff’s father displayed during his 30 years of service to the BSVFD and the community of Big Sandy. Sheriff Christopher had the honor of serving together with his father on the BSVFD for 10 years.
Joe Ray Christopher passed away in 1999, but his display of integrity, professionalism, selfless sacrifice, and bravery in the face of danger is still remembered and honored in the town of Big Sandy. These stories inspire young firefighters to do their best as they put themselves in danger on the front line of a fire in their efforts to support Big Sandy.
BSVFD Chief Larry Waters, who served with both Joe Ray and Kenny at times on the VFD, said, “Our community of Big Sandy is a better, safer place for having these men be a part of it.”