Firefighter Mike Wells was honored with the Jim McGovern Service Award during Longwood Fire Company’s recent annual banquet.

Last year, Wells responded to 329 of 619 Longwood emergency calls. “I just enjoy running calls and helping people when they need it the most,” Wells said. “I stopped counting the calls. If the pager goes off and I’m not working, I’ll be there.”

The Jim McGovern Service Award is named for a dedicated Longwood firefighter who died at age 22.  McGovern, a University of Delaware graduate, was a top responder during his time at Longwood Fire Company.

Wells has been a member of Longwood for two years and has been in the fire service for a decade. His highest rank has been assistant chief. “My father has been in the fire service for about 44 years,” Wells said. “I used to go to the firehouse and help clean trucks and other chores even before I was a member. I joined Longwood when I moved to East Marlborough, near the firehouse. It made sense to run at a firehouse that was only a minute away from my home.”

Being a volunteer firefighter includes countless hours of training every year. Besides the emergencies, Wells said there is always something to be done around a firehouse.

Longwood Fire Company has served the communities of Kennett, East Marlborough, Pennsbury and Pocopson townships since 1921. For more information, visit www.longwoodfireco.com.