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Post Commander Horace Naquin (left) of James O. Hall Post 19 of the American Legion from Jennings and Chief Bobby Vasseur (right) of the Jennings Fire Department (JFD) recently recognized Ashley Navarre (center) as JFD’s 2020 Firefighter of the Year. Ashley has been affiliated with the JFD for over 28 years. He started his career with the JFD at the age of 14 as a junior firefighter. He worked his way through until he became a full-time firefighter at the age of 22. He has been the JFD Firefighter of the Year seven times and was a past Medic of the Year. He has been schooled in all aspects of fire science, and he is also a trained Emergency Medical Technician and a certified First Responder for Medical Treatment. He is a member of the Jennings Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board and is currently assigned as JFD’s Chief Training Officer.

Have you ever met the guy or gal that you just couldn’t beat? You know…the kind of person that always has to come out on top? If you’ve had it bad, they’ve had it worse. If you had it good, they had it better. If you got a good deal, they’ll tell you how you got snookered and begin to tell you the unbelievable deal they got on the very same item (“Man, you should have called me!”). If you caught a big fish, you should’ve seen theirs. If you’re knowledgeable in certain areas, they’re geniuses in all the others. If you ask for the time, they’ll tell you how to build a watch. It’s the kind of person who will not let you get a word in edgewise. They know the answers before the question is off your tongue.

For many people across the country, carving out time from busy schedules to spend with loved ones can be difficult. However, when opportunities arise to experience bonding activities together, the results can be fond mem ­ ories and a deeper sense of security.