The Cheraw Rescue Squad held its 47th annual Christmas Banquet Saturday, announcing Chief Roger Owens as Rescue Man of the Year and brothers Timmy and Kenny Childers as the squad's first ever co-recipients of the Chief's Award.

All of Cheraw Rescue Squad's members get a vote for the Rescue Man of the Year award, while Owens selects the recipient of the Chief's Award.

Owens said he could not choose between Timmy and Kenny this year, with each of the brothers responding each and every time they were called upon.

“They are just good and important members of our Rescue Squad,” Owens said.

The Childers brothers have each been members of the Cheraw Rescue Squad for about a year. Both are also 15-year members of the Brocks Mill Fire Department.

“I've just always had a love for helping people,” Timmy said. “It's something I've always wanted to do.”

Although Timmy had served on the Cheraw Rescue Squad years ago, this is Kenny's first year with the group.

“Being a part of the Rescue squad is something I've always wanted to do, I just never really had a chance until now,” Kenny said.

The Childers brothers said they were surprised when they heard their names called for the Chief's Award.

“I truly was very honored to receive the award,” Timmy said. “I had no idea we would even be considered.”

As for Owens, this is his eighth Cheraw Rescue Man of the Year award. It's also the second major civic duty award he has won in the past three weeks. He received the Cheraw Chamber of Commerce's Award of Excellence Nov. 17. The chamber's award honors a citizen who enhances the quality of life of the town and is committed to the community.

When presented with the Rescue Squad award Saturday, Owens said he accepted it on behalf of founding squad member Bernard Stubbs, who has been in poor health and was diagnosed recently with pneumonia.

“Guys like Bernard and his brother Eddie taught me everything I know,” a tearful Owens said.