BY JENN SAMSEL
Few individuals dedicate as much time and effort to helping the community as Barbara Franklin. A resident of Keystone Heights and the owner of Keystone Heights Insurance, she was awarded the Board Director of the Year Award in December 2025.
For the past eight years, Barbara has volunteered and served as the Melrose Fire Department’s secretary, averaging 150 volunteer hours per year.
The award, presented by the Melrose Fire Department’s Fire Chief, Kevin Mobley, was given during their Annual Christmas Dinner and Awards Presentation.
“I do a lot of volunteer work with them, including festivals to raise money, set up the Christmas dinner for all the firefighters, collect gift certificates, anything we can to give to the firefighters,” said Barbara Franklin, Keystone Heights Insurance, Owner.
She is very passionate about helping firefighters and her community.
“I just think that if anyone has the opportunity to volunteer, it makes a big difference whether you volunteer a little bit or you volunteer a lot. There are so many things around here that people could volunteer their time,” she said.
“It takes the talents of many members, both contract and volunteer, to operate the Melrose Fire Rescue Department. Each December, I recognize those individuals who have stood out in their respective categories. Throughout 2025, our members demonstrated exceptional talent, commitment, and devotion to the station, ensuring the job was done effectively both behind the scenes and on the fireground,” said Melrose Fire Department Fire Chief Kevin Mobley.
Congratulations to the participants and recipients.
Firefighter of the Year: Dawson Rosier
Volunteer of the Year: Carrie Caputo
Board Director of the Year: Barbara Franklin
Explorer of the Year: Ezra Cook
Chief’s Choice: Lt. Trystyn Gaffney
Officer of the Year: Lt. John Riddling
