THE DILLON COUNTY STATION NINE FIRE DEPARTMENT (Oak Grove) honored firefighters with awards at their annual Christmas party. Alex Merritt (center) was awarded Station Nine’s  Fireman of the Year as well as First Responder of 2012. Nathan Settlemyre (left) and Chip Rogers (right) were awarded the Chief’s Award for  their hard work and dedication to Station Nine. DCFD Station Nine (Oak Grove)  responded to 302 calls last year—93 Fire Calls: 15 Structure – 55 Grass – 15 Car – 2 Haz/Mat Scenes – 6 Alarms; 209 First Responder Calls: 121 Medical and 88 Motor Vehicle Accidents. Chief Larry Cox said, “I would like to thank all our members for their service and dedication.” (Photo by Betsy Finklea/The Dillon Herald)