Larry Ball stands with wife Valarie after learning he was named 2008's "Sweetheart of the Year." Valarie and Marilyn Sinclair joined The Town Meeting's staff in surprising Larry while he was working at The Village Market in Elk Rapids on Feb. 11. Photo by Megan Taylor

But to those who nominated him, the honor came as no surprise.

A resident of Elk Rapids, Larry has been a member of the Elk Rapids Fire Department for 30 years and currently serves as fire chief. To his family, he's also a great husband, father, brother, brother-in-law and grandpa. Residents can find Larry working in the meat department at the Village Market in Elk Rapids or occasionally groovin' on River Street summer evenings with band The 3 B's. Larry, brother Gary and father Keith make up the band, which also entertains at senior center dances and family parties.

Larry was nominated for his dedication to the community and to the lives of people he touches everywhere. He is described as very generous and as a vital member of the community. He's also known as an all-around nice guy. Larry is said to "make everyone around him feel special" and those nominating him said he should be recognized for his "caring, giving nature."

"(He) is dedicated to making (the department) one of the best in the state," Kalkaska resident Linda Booth said in her nomination letter. "His concern for the citizens of Elk Rapids and surrounding communities is paramount in his quest for the best trained and equipped department in the area."

Elk Rapids resident Myrna Howse echoed Booth's sentiment with her letter.

"Larry spends many hours ensuring the fire department is trained and ready to go when needed by our citizens." Howse wrote.

She continued to write that Larry has passed down this community involvement to his two sons, Jeremy and Kevin, who are also part of the fire department.

Jeremy said that his father can be credited with starting the Fire Prevention Program in area schools, which he and brother Kevin also teach.

"He's touched a lot of lives through the program," Jeremy said.

Today the program has branched out, educating the children of Wooden Pony Pre-school in Williamsburg and teaching classes at the Grand Traverse Resort he added.

Jeremy described what makes his father a sweetheart. "He goes above and beyond to help everybody and he's always willing to lend a hand," he said. "He'd give you the shirt off his back... I think he's instilled that compassion and niceness in me."

Son Kevin shared why his dad was deserving.

"He's a guy who never says 'no' to anyone and he's willing to help anyone," Kevin said. "He's a good father and we've been able to share in a lot of special moments as kids with sports and through the fire department."

"He's always treated me like a son, which is good," step-son Brent Coon said.

He added that Larry gives equal respect to everyone. "He seems to treat people with the same respect, whether he's known them for 20 years or whether they've just met him," Brent said.

Brent, Larry, Jeremy, Kevin and Gary also bond through their "B-Hive" bowling team.

More father-son bonding is planned to take place this week when Larry, Jeremy and Kevin venture to Florida to experience the Daytona 500. Step-daughter Sheri Gilbert also said she appreciates having Larry as a stepfather.

"He's the best step-dad I could have asked for," Sheri said. "He's there with open arms if I ever need anything. He's just a wonderful man and grandpa to my kids."

Sheri said she and Larry have a Christmas tradition where the two shop for her mother Valarie together.

"He buys her everything on her list," Sheri said.

She continued to say the time spent together was special and that it warmed her heart to see him take such good care of her mom.

Besides being a dedicated family man and fire chief, Larry also brings a great attitude and smile to his workplace.

"(Larry) brings happiness to all around him." Elk Rapids resident Marilyn Sinclair wrote.

"At his job at the Village Market, Larry always takes time to talk with all his customers or at least give them a friendly smile no matter how busy he may be," she added. "His infectious laugh will always bring a smile to your face no matter what kind of day you're having. He will always go out of his way to be sure his customers are satisfied."

Howse also wrote about Larry's commendable customer service. "He gives his special attention to every person who has a question or special request of the meat department," she wrote.

Sinclair summed up why she felt Larry deserved the title.

"I feel someone who dedicates his life to the needs of everyone around him is a true sweetheart," she wrote. "Many of us get caught up in our own lives and don't always take time for even the smallest thing like a smile.

Wife Valarie is smiling over Larry's sweetheart title, though he's been her sweetheart for some time now.

"He's compassionate, understanding, loyal and he's my best friend in the whole world" Valarie said. "I love him."

Megan Taylor can be reached for question or comment at mtaylor@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-264-9711.

Also nominated: Terri Kimble "Terri Kimble has been working for the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce for about eight years," Kewadin resident Marie Moulds wrote. "Terri has given her time to work hard for the Elk Rapids community and helps to bring business to Elk Rapids. And Terri works long hours at Harbor Days. I think Terri is a 'Sweetheart.'"