Keizer Fire District Honors Outstanding Service

Awards were presented to employees and volunteers with the Keizer Fire District.

Tim Coburn being honored for twenty years of service. Images of the Keizer Fire Awards by Jim Trett, Keizer Fire's Public Information Officer. Full size photos below story.

(KEIZER, Ore.) - The Keizer Fire District held its annual Firefighter Reception on Monday. The ceremony introduced the new recruits recently accepted into the District’s training program; saw the swearing in of new firefighters and the presentation of the District’s service awards.

Oregon Fire Marshal Nancy Orr joined the District in making the award presentations and delivered the keynote address for the evening.

Firefighter of the Year

Volunteer Firefighter Michael Hall was introduced as the Keizer Fire District’s Volunteer Firefighter of the Year for 2007. Hall joined the District in November of 2002 and is currently serving as a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basic.

In making the presentation, Fire Chief Kevin Wickman noted that Hall has been extremely active in both the activities of the Keizer Fire District and the Keizer Volunteer Firefighters Association, chairing various committees responsible for events such as Mother’s Day Breakfast, Oktoberfest and annual Christmas party.

During the year Hall responded to 493 alarms and attended more drills than any other member of the District. Wickman also cited Hall’s involvement as a regular member of a Rescue Duty shift and an instructor of the Seatbelt Diversion class.

Employee of the Year

The Employee of the Year Award was presented to Fire Marshal Joel Stein. Stein joined the Keizer Fire District as a Firefighter in May of 1984 and became the District’s Fire Marshal in 1989.

In making the presentation, Chief Wickman noted that Stein is one of the most active off duty responders anytime the District has emergencies that require additional personnel. Wickman also noted that Stein has served as a Duty Officer since the programs inception.

When not involved with District duties, Stein also can be found assisting at the many activities sponsored by the District and the Volunteer Firefighters Association.

EMT of the Year

The EMT of the Year award was presented Firefighter/EMT Bill Herring. Herring first became in the Fire District as an Explorer in 1997 and became a Volunteer Firefighter in 2001.

Shortly after joining the District, Herring completed EMT-Basic training. In making the presentation, Deputy Chief Randy Jackson cited his Shift Captain as saying that Herring "is a consistent performer and someone who anticipates the needs of the patient and actively participates in calls to the level of the scope of his practice."

In 2007 Herring covered a total of 121 duty shifts that are 12 hours in length, the highest number of any volunteer member and was the second highest in call responses by a volunteer at a total of 583 calls.

Rookie of the Year

Matt Dryden was announced as the recipient of the Ted King Rookie of the Year Award. Dryden responded to 298 alarms in 2007 and filled 63 Rescue Duty Shifts.

In making the announcement Training Company Lieutenant Tony Ling cited Dryden for being an active participant in many of the Districts activities as well as participating in most of the activities of the Keizer Volunteer Firefighters Association. Ling noted that other Firefighters had commented that he was "generally the first there and the last to leave".

Ling also noted that during the month of December, Dryden participated in every community event but one that the District participated in. Ling also said that Dryden’s positive attitude and willingness to help were factors in his selection.

Blue Flame Award

State Fire Marshal Nancy Orr was presented the Keizer Fire District’s Blue Flame Award for her outstanding service.

In making the presentation Chief Wickman noted that Fire Marshal Orr had been very generous with her time in participating in special events of the Keizer Fire District such as this and previous award ceremonies.

Length of Service Awards were presented to the following individuals:

20 years:

Tim Coburn

10 years:

Travis Barker, Kristi King and David Pfnister

5 years:

Michael Hall, Chris James, Ryan Russell, Rachel Self and Shane Travis

Nine new Firefighters were sworn in by Oregon Fire Marshal Nancy Orr after successfully completing the District’s year long training and probation program. They were:

Ira Doran, Matt Dryden, Tracy Grover, Christina Johnson, Rob Lieder, Charlie Smith, Chris Waldroop

Also introduced were the members of the 2008 recruit class who recently started training. They are:

Jared Caruth, Jay Pippert, Ira Simeral, Mitchell Sousa, Jorge Arias, Anthony Chavez and Joshua Rivera