The Keizer Fire District held its annual Firefighter Reception on Monday, January 18, 2010. Special guest Mark Speckman, Willamette University's Head Football Coach delivered a motivating Keynote Address. The ceremony introduced new recruits, swearing in of new Firefighters by Oregon State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson and the presentation of the District's service awards.
Volunteer Firefighter Tim James was recognized as the Keizer Fire District's Volunteer Firefighter of the Year for 2009. James joined the District in November of 2001. In making the presentation, Fire Chief Jeff Cowan noted that "James has been extremely active in both the activities of the Keizer Fire District and the Keizer Volunteer Firefighters Association". Chief Cowan cited James's high achievement in drill attendance, shift coverage and the fact that James had responded to 772 alarms out of 3,857 alarms the Keizer Fire District received in 2009.
The Employee of the Year Award was presented to Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Appel. Appel joined the Keizer Fire District May 2006. In making the presentation, Chief Cowan noted that Brian "is a shining example of professional skill, integrity, and kindness combined with humble compassion." Chief Cowan went on to say "he's the one you want on your engine crew and as your paramedic."
The EMT of the Year award was presented to Volunteer Firefighter/EMT Chris Garcia. Garcia, who joined the District in November of 2008, was selected by the Captains of the Keizer Fire District. Chief Cowan in presenting the award to Garcia stated that he is known for his "participation on calls, no matter the call". "Chris excelled and did more than average even during his training as an EMT" stated Cowan.
Bret White was announced as the recipient of the Ted King Rookie of the Year Award. Lieutenant Tony Ling, Volunteer Firefighter Recruit Training Academy Officer, noted that the criteria for selection included call responses, extracurricular activities, duty shifts covered, drill activities and class scores. Ling told the audience that White had responded to 305 calls and pulled 72 shifts in an eight month period. White also attended 51 drills in an eleven month period. Ling went on to say "he is always willing to do the not so glamorous jobs and gets along with everyone on his shift."
Lengths of Service Awards were presented to the following individuals:
25 years:
Chief Randy Jackson
Chief Joel Stein
New employees Firefighter/Paramedic Rachel Grier, Public Education Specialist Anne-Marie Penge and Clerk Shawn Turner were introduced to the District Firefighters and their families.
The new Firefighters were sworn in after successfully completing the District's year long training and probation program. They are:
Aric Blankenbaker
Adam Giblin
Wally Putnam
Chad Robb
Hannah Robinson
Bret White
Also introduced were the members of the 2009 recruit class who recently started indoctrination training. They are:
Nathan Arguien
Chris Buchwalter
Josh Buckles
Phill Coombs
Jake Dodge
Ben Dulany
Josh Hemenway
Irvin Hersha
Dusty Myers
Zach Osborn
Tony Ou
Edgar Pelayo
Ashley Stone
Jake VanKeulen
Contact Info:
Anne-Marie Penge, Public Education Specialist
Phone: 503-390-9111
Cell: 503-932-8803
