Outgoing Newsoms Fire Chief Larry Fowler was recognized with kind words and a gift during the department’s annual banquet at the Paul D. Camp Community College Regional Development Workforce Center on Saturday.

Jonathan Hinson — who responded to 78 calls in 2012 and more than any other member — was named the new chief.

“It’s a surprise for me to be here tonight,” Jonathan said about his appointment. “My main goal is to keep everyone safe.”

Larry served as chief for 26 years and will remain on as assistant chief. During the program, he presented his wife, Tammy, with flowers for her support over the years.

Vince Holt, chief for Franklin Fire and Rescue, presented a program on his recent five-month overseas deployment with the Army Air Force Reserves. He also recognized Fowler.

“He has spent 26 years, pure in his devotion to Newsoms Volunteer Fire Department and surrounding fire departments,” Vince said.

“I’ve always looked up to him and he’s been like a second father,” added Bill Fowler, who is Larry’s brother and a Newsoms firefighter. “I love him to death.”

Colby Rountree was named Junior Firefighter of the Year. Jonathan was recognized for being the top responder for fire calls with 33 and Joseph Steward for emergency medical calls with 54. The department responded to 197 calls in 2012.

Also recognized for saving Greg Taylor’s life on an emergency call were Jonathan, Colby, Brian Futrell, Rickey Hatfield, Scott Jones, Teri Bolton, Harvey Umphlett, Jerry Tyree and Tim Livingston.

Others serving as officers for 2013 will be Capt. Pete Fowler, Lts. Phillip Ferguson and Daniel Riddick, EMS Lt. Clayton Gaskins, Chief Engineer Ed Johnson and Assistant Engineer Jerry Tyree.

Members Jerry Chapman and Kendall Story were recognized as department members who serve in the military.

• Nansemond-Suffolk Academy eighth-grader Cameron Bruce for seven weeks is serving as a page in the Virginia House of Delegates in Richmond.

The son of Stephen and Heather Bruce, Cameron was sponsored by Del. Johnny Joannou, D-Portsmouth. Forty students from Virginia were selected.

While in Richmond, Cameron is serving in a variety of offices and on the House floor, where he will collate bills, deliver schedules and carry messages. He also will visit the Governor’s Mansion to meet Gov. Bob McDonnell.

A page receives a salary and stipend for food and stays at a hotel.

GWEN ALBERS is managing editor of The Tidewater News. Her email address is gwen.albers@tidewaternews.com.