Volunteers serving with the Pella Fire Department and Pella Ambulance were recognized for years of service to the community at the annual City of Pella Appreciation Banquet Thursday night.

Those hitting milestones for time spent with those departments received plaques for their first ten years as volunteers and an additional rung attachment for every five years beyond that.

Councilmembers Harold Van Stryland, Lynn Hinga Branderhorst, and Mark De Jong thanked those who serve with Pella Fire, Pella Ambulance, and the Pella Police Department Reserves at the event. The respective department heads — Doug Van Gorkom, Greg Higginbotham, and Robert Bokinsky, also welcomed new volunteers to their staff.

Those receiving recognition:
Gerald Pleima – 10 years as an ambulance volunteer
Justin Manifold – 10 years as an ambulance volunteer
Thomas DeYoung – 10 years as an ambulance volunteer
Lance Van Zee – 15 years as a volunteer firefighter
Jason Van Gorp – 15 years as a volunteer firefighter
Chad Klein – 20 years as a volunteer firefighter
Marge Zondervan – 25 years as an ambulance volunteer
Stephen Reeder – 30 years as an ambulance volunteer
Donald Van Maanen – 35 years as an ambulance volunteer
Doug Van Gorkom – 45 years as a volunteer firefighter