COVENTRY – More than 180 people gathered Saturday to give the men and women of the Oxford Fire Department and Emergency Squad their due at the organization’s annual awards banquet at The Silo Restaurant.

Fire Chief Mike Cobb kicked off the event by reviewing the department’s accomplishments over the past year.

“This has been a year of compliance,” he said, explaining that they have worked hard to meet all regulations, going so far as to contract with Empire Safety to ensure they were meeting requirements.

According to the chief, 64 members of the all-volunteer department took an offered OSHA training class and all but two took the department physicals and fit testing. In addition, he said, Oxford is the first in the county to comply with the new accountability tag system.

Cobb also applauded the department for its fire prevention and education efforts.

“I’m proud of our people for ... getting the education out there,” he said, explaining that they succeeded in reaching 850 children and community members with their message this year not only during Fire Prevention Week but also at Sheriff’s Camp, the Lion’s Club Big Rig event and other events throughout the year.

Cobb also stressed the importance of carbon monoxide monitors, which are now required under Amanda’s Law. According to the chief, the lives of two Oxford families were saved this year because of the devices.

To underscore the message, he announced that each person at the dinner would take home a CO detector, courtesy of the Oxford Bingo Commission.