Myrtle Beach honors fire department volunteer

Roy Luther, 27, isn’t a firefighter or an official Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue staff member, but most Saturdays he’s at one of the city’s fire stations.

His dedication has earned him the respect and appreciation of the city’s fire personnel, who see Luther as a brother and count on his volunteer work to make their daily lives easier.

And Wednesday, the city of Myrtle Beach named Luther its Volunteer of the Year for all his work cleaning trucks and equipment, helping with public educations programs such as fire-safety classes for children, and for his spirit of giving.

At the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, Luther earned a loud round of applause and a standing ovation for the work he has performed for the past five or six years.

“I used to work at the Regal Cinemas in Murrells Inlet, and one of my bosses was a firefighter in Myrtle Beach,” Luther said. “I just asked him if there was a way for me to help, and I started going to the stations and cleaning equipment and trucks, and doing whatever they needed done. Sometimes I’m just there to encourage them if they’ve been out on a difficult call.”

Luther is also a business student at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, and said he hopes to be able to work with a fire department or service offering public education.

He does all this from a wheelchair because Luther has cerebral palsy.

He works at fire stations 1 and 3 right now, but will offer his help at any of the city’s stations.

“I get around,” he said, smiling.

Luther is just one of the nearly 500 people who help out by serving on boards and commissions, with a variety of city departments and in a number of positions.

Each year, the city holds the appreciation lunch to thank them, with City Council members shaking each person’s hand and giving each of them a small gift. This year, it’s a small clock in a stand with “Myrtle Beach” embossed on it.

Mayor John Rhodes thanked all of the city’s volunteers for their work throughout the year, and had a special presentation for Luther: a check for $500.

Luther was surprised by the windfall.

“I’m sure I’ll think of a good use for the money,” he said.

Rhodes praised Luther for his willingness to help, for showing up early and staying late, and for his happy attitude and his big smile.

“Our volunteer of the year is a tremendous asset to the city of Myrtle Beach,” Rhodes said, “and an inspiration.”