The hard-working men who make up the Craig Field Volunteer Fire Department honored one of their own a few weeks ago by naming Capt. Peter Kine as Firefighter of the Year for 2003.

Kine was presented with the award during a Dec. 13 banquet at the Tally-Ho Restaurant.

According to volunteer fireman Scott Ellis, this award had a unique distinction because it was voted on by all members of the department except Chief Stewart Corley and Deputy Chief Dave Skrobak.

Ellis said the 14-member crew at Craig Field cast their ballots in November and the results were announced during the banquet.

Few had any idea who the winner was until Kine’s name was called.

The criterion to be considered for the award was based upon longevity, dedication, response and overall leadership in the fire department.

All of these traits, Ellis says, can be found in Kine.

The volunteer captain has been with the department for over 11 years and has held his rank for the past five years.

Craig Field is the only volunteer fire department in the state that can handle airplane emergencies.

The firemen are also trained in containing hazardous chemical spills.

Besides being called to emergencies within the city of Selma, the Craig Field firemen also assist in situations within the towns of Tyler and Sardis.

When he is not training or out saving lives during emergencies, Kine works for L-3 Communications. Formerly known as Vertex Aerospace LLC, Kine has been with the company for nearly 13 years.

Ellis said the state is recognizing Kine’s achievement in a newsletter that will be sent to over 200 volunteer firefighters across Alabama.

He will also be featured on the L-3 Communications Web site.