By CASSANDRA MICKENS / Associate Editor

HOOVER — The Hoover Fire Department honored retirees, announced promotions and recognized first responders during its annual awards ceremony March 21 at the Hoover Public Library.

The following nine firefighters were formally promoted as their families looked on:

• Capt. Brandon Blake, Fire Station No. 8, Greystone
• Capt. Nathan Hinds, Fire Station No. 7, Inverness
• Lt. Marshall Tyler, Fire Station No. 4, Municipal Drive
• Lt. Roger Gunn, Fire Station No. 4, Municipal Drive
• Lt. Barry Adams, Fire Station No. 4, Municipal Drive
• Lt. Eric O’Neal, Fire Station No. 6, Highway 150
• Lt. Michael Norman, Fire Station No. 8, Greystone
• Lt. John Craddock, Fire Station No. 7, Inverness
• Lt. Keith Wilkinson, Fire Station No. 9, Greystone Legacy

The following eight firefighters also were recognized for their combined 200 years of service to the city of Hoover:

• Capt. Blake Jones
• Lt. Jon Lord
• Lt. Robert Boroughs
• Lt. Dennis McCoy
• Lt. Eric Bradley
• Lt. Mark Griffin
• Firefighter Terry Walls
• Firefighter Mark Wathen

In addition, Firefighter of the Year 2013 Lt. Larry Florence and Paramedic of the Year 2013 Capt. John Dennis were again commended for their achievements in the line of duty.  Before the ceremony’s conclusion, the Hoover Fire Department presented a $25,000 check from the Hoover Public Safety Charity Foundation to Camp Conquest, a summer camp program designed to respond to the needs of pediatric burn survivors. The City of Hoover also presented Camp Conquest with a check of $5,000.