Photography by Patti Schaeffer

The fifth annual United Fire Services symposium was held last weekend at United Local High School. The event was sponsored by the Winona and Hanover Township fire departments. The day kicked off with the presentation of colors by the Salem VFW Post 892 and the Steel Valley Pipes and Drums as United High School student Megan Drake sang the national anthem. One of the highlights of the day came when the Winona department was recognized for excellence in providing fire-based emergency medical service to its community. The award was presented by representatives of Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and Masimo, a medical technology company that develops and manufactures innovative noninvasive patient monitoring technologies. Following the honor-filled opening of the conference, attendees were treated to the knowledge of best-selling book author Chief Rick Laskey of Wichita Falls, Texas, time with the many vendors, a lunch from Bad Axe BBQ of Hammondsville and door prizes.