City of Buckhannon Honors Tom Anderson & Rick Kitzmiller at 2026 Friendly Way BFD Recognition Day

BUCKHANNON, WV: The City of Buckhannon proudly celebrated its 19th annual Friendly Way BFD Recognition Day on Friday, May 15, 2026, honoring two longtime members of the Buckhannon Fire Department family: Tom Anderson and Rick Kitzmiller. The ceremony, held along Friendly Way during the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, brought together family, residents, firefighters, and community leaders to recognize decades of dedicated public service.

Friendly Way Day was established in 2007 to honor the legacy of Fire Chief Carl R. “Bud,” “Ole Friendly” Bennett, whose leadership and kindness inspired the naming of the street in front of the fire station. Each year, the City recognizes individuals who embody that same spirit of service.

This year’s honorees, Tom Anderson and Rick Kitzmiller, were celebrated for more than 30 years of combined service to the Buckhannon Fire Department. Both men have contributed significantly to training, emergency response, community outreach, and the department’s overall strength.

During the ceremony, Mayor Robert Neal Skinner, III, presented the official proclamation and announced the installation of permanent placards honoring Anderson and Kitzmiller on both the Red Wall and the Buddy Bench along Friendly Way.

“Tom Anderson and Rick Kitzmiller represent the very best of Buckhannon,” Mayor Skinner said during the event. “Their commitment to service, mentorship, and community reflects the true meaning of our ‘friendly way.’ We are grateful for their decades of dedication.”

Attendees enjoyed remarks from Fire Department leadership, a presentation of past honorees, and a moment of reflection honoring Chief Bennett’s legacy.