Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Rieff Recipient Of This Year’s Buddy Lyle Citizenship Award
PRAIRIE GROVE — A long- time member of Prairie Grove Fire Department, who also served as volunteer fire chief for many years, was named the 2016 recipient of the city’s annual Buddy Lyle Citizenship Award.
Mayor Sonny Hudson presented the award to Randall Rieff at the City Council’s June 20 meeting.
The plaque states the award was presented to Rieff for his outstanding citizenship and for his desire to save and protect lives and property by volunteering and serving as a Prai- rie Grove firefighter for more than 38 years, for serving as fire chief, for serving as a part-time patrol officer for Prairie Grove Police Department and working for Central Emergency Medical Service for 25 years.
Rieff continues serving as a volunteer firefighter and works in the evening for the fire department, filling in a gap between two shifts.
He still works part-time for Central EMS and has been working for Harps Food Store in Prairie Grove for 44 years.
Hudson said Rieff’s dedication shows his desire to help others.
“These are all life-saving services,” Hudson said. “His long service shined out and he was deserving of recognition.”
The City Council created the Citizenship Award in 2014 in memory of Buddy Lyle, who passed away in June 2014. The award is given annually “to an individual who has volunteered their time and service to make the city a better place.”
Lyle was active in the community as a member of Prairie Grove City Council and member of Prairie Grove Chamber of Commerce. He delivered Meals on Wheels and handed out food each month for “Beans and Rice” at First Presbyterian Church.
The first recipients of the award were Pat Lyle, Buddy Lyle’s widow, and his daughter, Lesa Lyle Bement.
Pat Lyle said she was thrilled Rieff received the award this year.
“There couldn’t be anyone more deserving,” Lyle said. “He’s wonderful. I know Bud would have been proud.”
J.C. Dobbs, Prairie Grove fire chief, said Rieff has been a mentor for many years and he still seeks his advice.
“He’s the best there is,” Dobbs said. “His dedication is second to none. I’ve always looked up to him. He never has a cross word for anyone and is always helping others.”
Rieff said he was honored to receive the honor but did not expect any recognition.
“I just do it out of the goodness of my heart,” Rieff said, adding that helping others is the main thing. He has stayed in a career in emergency services, he said, because “it just gets in your blood.”
Hudson had talked to him about receiving a certificate for his longevity with the fire department and Rieff said he thought that was supposed to happen at the City Council’s July meeting. He was working last week for Central EMS and as he headed to Prairie Grove with EMS staff, one mentioned they needed to stop by the City Council meeting.
Walking into the courtroom, Rieff was greeted by his wife, two sons and their wives.
“Uh oh,” was Rieff ’s response as he came into the room.
The honor was a surprise, Rieff said.
A special plaque for the Buddy Lyle Citizenship Award will hang in City Hall with the names of recipients engraved on it each year.