Four certificates of recognition were presented to a group of first responders at the Town of Monticello’s Monday night board meeting.

The recipients — Fire Chief Donnie Weeks, firefighter Will Boyd and EMTs Eddie Rogers and Raymond Gutter — were publicly commended for saving a local man’s life.

“We are so fortunate to have firemen who are also EMTs,” Monticello Mayor Martha Watts said. “Often times, they’re the first to arrive on a scene, and they do a great job of responding to emergencies.”

Before the firefighters accepted their awards, Booker Woodard — an unofficial community caretaker and activist — discussed the planning of his annual neighborhood garden at Westover Apartments.

“Four years ago, he took an interest in community gardens,” Watts said. “He plants a variety of vegetables, every year, and distributes them throughout town.”

She also mentioned that Woodard’s agricultural efforts function as a great lesson for local students, many of whom are fascinated by the process through which vegetables are grown.

Lastly, it was announced that the town has accepted some fairly new playground equipment from the Lawrence County School District.

Watts suggested the donated apparatuses might be added to the playground at Atwood Water Park, pending further discussion.

“We’re very fortunate to have been given this equipment,” she said.

Story by Trapper Kinchen