The Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire Department held its annual Christmas banquet and awards ceremony recently. In photo above, Centra Home Health Nurse Kristin Tharpe, far left, and fire volunteers were honored for providing CPR and reviving a patient in November. Awards were presented by EMS Capt. Alene Cassada. Pictured are, from left, Tharpe, Life Saving Medal Award; Kenny Tharpe, Community Service Award; James Napier, Community Service Award; Derrick Thompson, Community Service Award; and Thomas Rothwell, Clinical Excellence Award. In photo below, Distinguished Service Awards were presented by Drakes Branch Fire Chief Kenny Tharpe for years of service to the department. Recipients were, from left, Wade Setzer, Clarence Hamlett, Charlie Hancock and Floyd Napier.