Deputy Fire Chief Ward Benner was presented with an award for community service from the Rochester Police Brotherhood on Saturday.

In addition to a plaque recognizing Benner's service, the brotherhood also announced the creation of two scholarships in Benner's name, one for Old Rochester Regional High School and one for Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School.

The scholarships, paid for through fundraisers, will go to students who give back to their communities.

“We wanted to name them after someone who exemplified community service,” Officer Shaun Peterson said. “When we took ideas, his name came up time and time again.”

Benner has been with the Fire Department for 50 years, and Peterson joked he must sleep in his gear because he's often one of the first people on the scene, even in the middle of the night.

“We judge how well our response time is based on if we manage to beat Ward there,” he said.

Ward thanked the Police Department for the honor, and said that he loves when he gets to a scene and sees the police already working and helping.

“They protect us at the scene, the dispatch is great,” he said. “I appreciate all you do, it's so awesome.”