The leadership team at Duracell P&G says no one exemplifies the spirit of volunteering more than Russ Erenheim.

The predictive maintenance technician at the plant has worked there for 20 years but he also spends much of his time as a volunteer firefighter.

“I’m overwhelmed,” said Erenheim, who won the “Live United” award from the United Way of West Georgia this week, along with his company. “There are a lot of people here just as deserving. I’m just glad the leadership team thought of me.”

The United Way is doing things a little differently this year. Instead of an awards banquet, the organization chose four local companies to honor for their United Way service, along with one United Way agency. Each company also was asked to nominate an employee for the “Live United” award, someone who exemplifies the spirit of give, advocate, volunteer.

“It’s one for all and all for one here, and Russ exemplifies that,” plant manager Mark Donovan said.

Erenheim has volunteered with the Flint Hill Fire Department in Talbot County and the Warm Springs Fire Department in Meriwether County for a total of 20 years. He’s been a training officer, assistant chief, fire chief and public safety educator in Talbot County and a training officer, public life and safety educator and basic life support instructor in Meriwether County.

He lives near Manchester.

The awards this week wrap up the 2008 fundraising campaign, which raised just over $1 million of a $1.2 million goal for the United Way of West Georgia.

Jennifer Shrader may be reached at jshraderlagrangenews.com or at (706) 884-7311, Ext. 236.