Norman Munthe was named the Rotary Club’s volunteer of the year at a banquet Thursday night at New Ebenezer Retreat Center.

Munthe, with Boy Scout Troop 691, was nominated by Richard Merrey.

According to Merrey’s nomination, Munthe was approached by the Effingham County Fire Department in June 2006 to help revitalize the junior firefighter program. He developed a program within the guidelines of Boy Scouts of America and recruited young men and women to be members. Since he was not a qualified firefighter, Munthe spent three months learning how to be one.

Four young men in his troop have become Eagle scouts and a fifth is about to earn that rank. Munthe has conducted two merit badge weekend trainings for more than 50 scouts for the emergency preparedness and fire safety merit badges. He also has trained more than 60 adults in the adult leader outdoor training.

Munthe retired from the Navy and has organized flag retirement ceremonies. In addition, he works with Boy and Girl Scouts in Chatham County, giving tours dressed as Gen. James Oglethorpe.

For being the volunteer of the year, Munthe received a check for $750 from the Rotary Club. First runner-up Angela Johnson, nominated by Nina Dasher of ARC of Effingham, received $500 and second runner-up Tommy Hall, nominated by Beth Logan of Hospice Savannah, received $250. There were 21 nominations for volunteer of the year.