Chris and Tamela Ramsey enjoy horseback riding with their daughter, Ela Belle. Chris Ramsey was named Madison Firefighter of the Year. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – His co-workers in the Madison Fire & Rescue Department have selected Christopher ‘Chris’ Ramsey as Firefighter of the Year.

Ramsey started worked in the department in April 2008. Previously, he worked as an electrical contractor in Panama City Beach, Fla.

“When I was in high school, I had a friend that was in the fire service as a volunteer. They performed a mock wreck for awareness to the students of the consequences of drinking and driving,” Ramsey said. “Watching what this profession does on a daily basis and the impact as a firefighter one person can have on another is amazing.”

“Chris is a humble guy,” Madison Fire Chief Ralph Cobb said. “He quietly goes about completing his duties, never calling attention to himself. He sets high standards for others to follow.”

Ramsey graduated from Lauderdale County High School in Rogersville. He earned a paramedic certificate at Calhoun Community College and is pursuing an associate’s degree at Calhoun.

Almost every shift, Ramsey can say he has had a good day at work. “I love the guys I work with. They’re my second family. And any day I can make a positive impact on someone’s life, that’s a good day in the fire service,” he said.

His wife Tamela work as a veterinarian technician at Town and County Veterinarian Hospital in Athens. Their daughter, Ela Belle Ramsey, turned two years old in February.

“My wife and myself are raising our two-year-old daughter on the family farm in Limestone County,” Chris Ramsey said.

Chris and Tamela enjoy taking Ela Belle on horse rides. “I also like watching Auburn football and spending time with my wife and daughter,” he said.