On December 13, County Commissioner Joe Belcher assisted the Asheville Optimist Club in awarding local fire fighters and emergency medical personnel for their outstanding performance in 2012.

The following received awards:
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Dustin Cooper, Asheville Fire Department
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Bryan Hopps, Barnardsville Fire Department
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Allen Morgan, Paramedic Buncombe County EMS
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Jamie Frady, Enka Fire Department
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Earl T. Arley, Jr., Fairview Fire Department
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Dan Ramsey, Jupiter Fire Department
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Marty Rice, Leicester Fire Department
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Walter Dean Grindstaff, Reems Creek Fire Department
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Kenneth Ledford, Reynolds Fire Department
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John Coffey, Riceville Fire Department
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Wilson Bishop, Chaplin Skyland Fire Department
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Jason Pearman, Swannanoa Fire Department
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Michael B. Hunter, Captain, Weaverville Fire Dept.
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Jim Angel, Woodfin Fire Department
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West Buncombe Firefighters