Click below to read the official press release.

Claude Cobler joined the Bassett Rescue Squad in 1968, and he’s still going strong. However, he stopped long enough tonight to accept a little bit of recognition from some of the folks he’s served all these years.

Cobler received the 2011 Jack Dalton Community Service Award tonight from the Board of Supervisors. He was joined by scores of family, friends, and fellow volunteers, some of whom no doubt have received treatment from Cobler over his 44 years as an EMS volunteer. 

Cobler’s resume of volunteerism and community service is extensive and still growing. He currently is the Training Director and President of the Board of Directors for the Bassett Rescue Squad, and has served the squad in virtually every facet imaginable during his 44 years. He has served as the squad’s Captain a total of 23 years.

“Claude Cobler is the quintessential volunteer,” said Jim Adams, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “There is no better example of what community service is all about. He literally has touched the lives of thousands of local residents.”

Cobler is certified as an Emergency Medical Technician instructor and an Emergency Vehicle Operator and Instructor. He has received commendations for his service from multiple state and local entities, and recruited or trained many local leaders to serve as well, including County Administrator Benny Summerlin, Henry County Public Safety Director Dale Wagoner, and most members of the County’s Public Safety staff.
“It would be hard to imagine an EMS system in Henry County without Claude Cobler’s contributions,” Summerlin said. “Claude has impacted every aspect of EMS service for our residents through his service and his training of other volunteers. There are many people alive today because of Claude Cobler’s dedication to EMS and to his community.”

The Jack Dalton Community Service Award annually goes to the Henry County resident who best demonstrates the exemplary community service that marked Dalton’s years of public service. Dalton served as a member of the Henry County Board of Supervisors for more than 24 years, and was serving as the Board Chairman at the time of his death on May 24, 2000.

Nominations for the Jack Dalton Award were solicited from community residents through local media and the Henry County website, www.henrycountyva.gov. Nominations were based on the candidate’s personal efforts and active involvement in helping promote the quality of life in Henry County.

Cobler is the 11th recipient of the award. Previous recipients of the honor include Dr. Calvin Rains, Bill Adkins, Clay Campbell, Mary McGee, Charles Bradshaw, Bob Petty, the Rev. Thurman Echols, Nancy Bradshaw, Mary Jordan, and Pat Ross.