Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week for 12/17/25 is Jim Roney, Volunteer Firefighter For Pleasant Grove Fire Department for more than 50 Years! 

Jim was nominated by Emily Ward, who says, “He has served the Pleasant Grove Volunteer Fire Department in Alamance County for 50 years—with 24 of those years as Chief and many more serving on the board and in other leadership positions. While he may not be going into burning buildings or serving as an EMT anymore, he continues to go on calls to assist as often as possible. During the recent flooding in the area (July 2025), he helped to block off the roads until more help arrived to prevent anyone from driving into the unsafe roads that were flooded and collapsing. He is an amazing husband, father, grandfather and servant to the community. His grandson is now following in his footsteps serving at the same department, continuing the legacy. He is extremely deserving of being recognized for his humble service as he fully retires this year.”

Thank you, Jim, for your service! As a token of our appreciation, we’re sending you a $50 gift card to Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q to thank you for all you do.