By GERRY L. DICKERT
editor@silsbeebee.com

Finding Ricky Paine at the site of a house fire or an automobile accident is not an uncommon occurrence.

Paine has been part of the Silsbee Volunteer Fire Department off and on for the past 19 years, he said. But for the past five years, he has dedicated himself to being everywhere, all the time.

For his support of the SVFD and his willingness to put his life on the line to save the lives and property of others, Paine was named the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year by the department.

“When I got out of high school, I knew I wanted to do something and I thought this was the thing to do,” he said.

A 1979 graduate of Silsbee High School, Paine says he has been a lifelong resident of the city.

“There were times when I was with the department, then I’d have to stop for a while for my job or my family,” he said.

But the past five years have been an effort in dedication for Paine, who loves to help others but doesn’t always love the job he has to do.

“I hate the car wrecks,” he said, “especially the ones that involve little kids. It’s difficult to see kids get hurt. They have a hard time trying to tell you where they hurt and what’s going on with them.”

Paine, who is a conductor for the Timber Rock Railroad, said he was stunned by his being named Firefighter of the Year.

“I wasn’t expecting anything like that,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if I’m the fireman of the year. I try to do everything I can every time we’re out there. We count on each other and I have to do my part to make sure everyone is safe.”

Members of the Silsbee Volunteer Fire Department who were recognized for a 2009 milestone anniversary included:

Roy G. Berry, 35 years; Vince McClammy, 15 years; Mike Fuller, 10 years; Garland Avery, 10 years; Ricky Paine, 5 years; Harold Flatt, 5 years; James Miller, 5 years; Clint Jasper, 5 years.

Berry announced his retirement this year after 36 years of service to the fire department.