The third annual Guymon Firefighter’s Ball is just around the corner and tickets are on sale now. The event was started for many reasons, one being in honor of the 343 firefighters that lost their lives on 9/11. “It was a horrific tragedy that should never be forgotten,” said John Shaffer of the Guymon Fire Department. They also want to honor local firefighters by giving out awards for Firefighter of the Year, Volunteer Firefighter of the Year, EMS Provider of the Year, and more. “It is an opportunity to share these accolades with the community,” said Shaffer. “We use the money we raise to buy equipment that we feel would help the department to do their job more effectively and safe.” Shaffer goes on the describe that last year’s proceeds were able to supply 16 sets of wild land personal protective equipment and that they hope to finish out the remainder of the department. The meal will be catered by Great Western Dining of Liberal and there will be a silent auction with lots of great items to bid on. There will be a photographer there to take pictures for individuals attending as well. Kingsbury Band, a band from Tulsa with a variety of music, will be providing the entertainment, and Main Street Guymon will assist in serving drinks. Dress for this event is formal black tie optional. The department encourages everyone to dress up, but also wants everyone to feel comfortable at the event. The event is put on by the Guymon Firefighters Club and sponsors for the event are Guymon Convention and Tourism, Hitch Enterprises, Quality Integrated Service, Inc., EagleMed, Panhandle Imaging, Seaboard Foods, Pub on the Bricks, and Signature Business Concepts. It will be held on Sept. 8, 2012 from 6 p.m. until midnight at the Pickle Creek Event Center and tickets are $50.00 per individual or $75 for couples. Ticket outlets are Guymon Fire Department, Guymon Chamber of Commerce, and Main Street Guymon Office.