Smyrna-Vinings Heroes Recognized by Community

For Alvin Ashurst, being a Cobb County firefighter means more than putting out fires. As Lt. Brian Dougherty explained at , it’s his positive attitude that makes him a true hero at Cobb County Fire Station No. 5.

Ashurst received the Vinings Rotary Hero award Wednesday, Feb. 29 at . The award is given four times a year to a member of the community who demonstrates what it means to be a hero, said Debby Bolt, Vinings Rotary Club president.

“Vinings Rotary Heroes are recognized quarterly,” she said. “We have Vinings Rotary Heroes, but they are the epitome of heroes. We don’t take it lightly. For those of us who live in Vinings we love to see you guys when you’re relaxed and not coming toward our houses.”

In addition to serving as a firefighter, Ashurst is a deacon at his church. He’s also a husband and father of two. He draws on his positive attitude when he gives tours of the fire station to Vinings elementary school students.

“Alvin is selfless,” Dougherty said. “He’s kind-hearted and he loves to help people. He’s what I would say is a true firefighter and a true serviceman. He’s happy. He’s fun to be around and always has a positive attitude from the time we get there in the morning and start doing our daily chores to the till the end of the night when we’re doing dishes after dinner and every call in between. Alvin always maintains a positive attitude and a smile, which is hard to come by sometimes.”

Ashurst received a $75 gift certificate to and a $25 Costco gift certificate in recognition of his efforts.

students benefit from the efforts of the Prince Hall Masons year-round, and on March 15 the men of the Foundation Lodge No. 592 will be honored for their service.

Each year the Cobb Community Relations Council recognizes civic groups or individuals who foster community cooperation, demonstrate vision and offer innovative solutions in connecting diverse communities.

The Prince Hall Masons were nominated for their service to Smyrna students. Patty Smith, Cobb Community Relations Council chair, said that while the Masons’ efforts throughout the community are impressive, it was their work at Argyle Elementary School that caught the attention of the council.

“The Lodge does many things in the community but the outstanding one from our perspective was their fifth grade male mentoring relationship with Argyle Elementary School,” Smith said.

The Masons teach fifth grade boys in the program about peer pressure, career aspirations, leadership and to be respectful of women and girls.

In addition to mentoring fifth graders, at the beginning of the school yesr the Prince Hall Masons provides backpacks and school supplies to underserved students of all ages at Argyle.

The Masons will be recognized at an awards ceremony March 15 at Piedmont Church in Marietta.