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LEWISVILLE — Lewisville Fire Department Lieutenant Clarence Owens is raking in the recognition for his hard work, being recently named the Western Forsyth Rotary 2024 Firefighter of the Year.

As part of the award ceremony at the rotary club meeting, Lewisville Fire Chief Darinn Needham said that Owens has served Lewisville for eight years as a volunteer, following 15 years as a paramedic in New York.

Rotary President Andrea Misel presented the award to Owens, stating “how important it was to have heroes in the community who are willing to protect our citizens.” The award itself was a caricature of Owens drawn by artist Mike Wilson.

“Our community is lucky to have volunteers like Clarence Owens,” wrote Rotary’s Gene Blackwelder in a release about the award.

Outside of his service with the Lewisville Fire Department, Owens is a doctor of laboratory science and has also received his Eagle Scout.

This is the second time that Owens has been recognized in recent weeks for his service, having been named the Rescuer of the Year in Forsyth County for the past year. Owens was recognized alongside Lewisville Assistant Fire Chief Jesse Levy, who was named Instructor of the Year, and Clemmons Firefighter Chris Messick, who was named the Forsyth County Firefighter of the Year.

“These prestigious countywide awards are a testament to their dedication, skill and leadership in the fire service. Lieutenant Owens’ commitment to excellence in rescue operations and Assistant Chief Levy’s passion for training and mentoring firefighters make them both invaluable members of Lewisville Fire Department and the entire county fire service,” wrote the Lewisville Fire Department in the announcement of the Forsyth County awards.