The Oxford American Legion, Fort Hill Post 367, recently received the Community Service Award from the Oxford Fire Department. Shown left to right are Oxford Fire Department 2nd Assistant Chief Allen Ross, Chief Chad Stein, Legionnaire Jessica Henninge, Oxford Fire Department Commander Peter Tiller, and 1st Assistant Chief Jake Ingraham. (Submitted photo)

OXFORD — The Oxford American Legion, Fort Hill Post 367, recently received the Community Service Award from the Oxford Fire Department.

Oxford Fire Department Chief Chad Stein said the department’s social committee selects an annual recipient based on contributions to both the department and the broader community.

“This year the legion hosted the Memorial Day Parade, and it was bigger than ever,” said Stein. “They do so much for the community and a lot of it goes unnoticed.”

Stein said the legion regularly hosts weekend chicken barbecues to benefit various organizations, donating back all proceeds to the organization they are hosting for. The post also holds an annual ice-breaker to kick off alumni weekend, Sunday breakfasts, and other community events.

Legionnaire Jessica Henninge expressed gratitude for the recognition on behalf of the post.

“Thank you for this incredible honor and thank you to every person in Oxford who continues to quietly give a piece of themselves to make our community stronger,” said Henninge.

While the legion and fire department serve the public through different avenues, Henninge noted they align in their dedication to service, sacrifice, and community welfare.

“Our community is filled with people who give their time, skills, and energy, along with their hearts,” she added. “Most of the work goes unnoticed yet Oxford is better for it. That is why this recognition from the Oxford Fire Department is so meaningful.”

Henninge thanked the members of the Oxford Fire Department for their dedication, citing emergency response efforts, fundraising, neighborhood safety, planning, and community outreach.

The American Legion, Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion continue to support local traditions including Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, youth programs, scholarships, Honor Guard services, and weekly breakfasts.

Along with serving in the legion, members work full-time jobs, serve on multiple boards, coach, clean, cook, fundraise, drive, deliver, organize events and belong to a variety of organizations.

The American Legion was incorporated nationally in 1919 and has maintained a presence in Oxford’s history for more than a century. Post 367 supports veterans, families, and the community, growing from an initial group of 16 members to more than 100 members by 1946.

The legion clubhouse was purchased in 1940, to serve as a community gathering and to welcome returning World War II veterans.