Heroes From Fire Service to be Honored at the 6th Annual Meritorious Awards Banquet

The 6th Annual Meritorious Awards Banquet happens Friday, May 18th, 2007, beginning at 7:00 PM in Hall "D" at the Portland Expo Center.

Some of the winners who will be honored Photo courtesy: Oregon Fire Chief's Association

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Organizers of the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association say they are proud to host its 6th Annual Meritorious Award Banquet on Friday at the Portland Expo Center in Portland, Oregon.

"Fire personnel and citizens from all areas of Oregon will be honored for their extraordinary service to the communities they serve in the categories of Honor, Valor, Distinguished Conduct, Excellence, Unit Citation, Citizen Life Saving, Public Service and Lifetime Achievement."

Teri Van Wagner with the Oregon Fire Chief's Association says the Annual Meritorious Award Banquet is hosted by Oregon Fire Chiefs Association and the Northwest Fire Equipment Dealers' Association. Dress for the occasion is semi-formal and firefighters are encouraged to dress in "Class A" uniforms.

"Being recognized by peers within the fire service at the Annual Meritorious Awards Banquet is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a firefighter. For one evening, the best of the best in the fire service pause in their career and take a well deserved bow."

In addition to firefighters, members of the public, businesses, and organizations are recognized for worthy or heroic deeds.

The following awards will be presented:

Certificates of Commendation:

• Lieutenant Roger Thompson………………Clackamas County Fire District No. 1
• Apparatus Operator Robert Benson…..……..Salem Fire Department
• Canby Fire District Engine 61 "B"……….…...Canby Fire District
• Central Point Station "B" Shift………….…….Jackson County Fire District No. 3
• Phoenix Fire Department……………………..Phoenix, Oregon
• Mercy Flights

Public Service Awards:

• Comcast Spotlight
• American LaFrance Northwest
• Brian Gross, M.D…………………………...…………..Medford, Oregon
• Wylie McKinnon……………………………..………….Eugene, Oregon
• Oregon Fallen Firefighter Memorial Committee

Citizen Life Saving Awards:

• "Doc" Michael Harms…….…Canby, Oregon
• Neil Colman…………………Canby, Oregon
• Brad Maxey………………….Rogue River Oregon
• Todd Monroe………………..Central Point, Oregon
• Ira Rambo…………………..Central Point, Oregon

Unit Citations:

• Boat 17 ……………………………Portland Fire & Rescue
• Rescue Boat 860…………………Port of Portland Fire Department
• Special Operations Group………Jackson County Fire District No. 3
• Boat 21 ……………………………Lake Oswego Fire Departmentent
• Phoenix Fire Department………..Phoenix, Oregon
• Mercy Flights

Distinguished Conduct Award:

• Lieutenant Clay Baggerly……………..Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue

Awards of Excellence:

• Captain Patrick Caprino ………………….Salem Fire Department
• Executive Officer Kyle Gorman………….Clackamas County Fire District No.1
• Firefighter Elmer Parker ………………….McMinnville Fire Department
• Firefighter Andy Schryvers……………….McMinnville Fire Department
• Firefighter Clark Hanson………………….Monitor RFPD #58
• Firefighter Ethan Averitt Reed, Jr………..Portland Fire & Rescue
• Fire Chief Dale Staib………………………Philomath Rural Fire & Rescue

Medals of Valor:

• Lieutenant Jason Scharf ………………………Sheridan Fire District
• Captain Paul Telfer……………………………Salem Fire Department

• Golden Sparky Award
  Silver Sparky Award
• State Fire Marshal's Commendation

Oregon Fire District Directors Association:
Fire District of the Year Award – Canby Fire District

Salem-News.com congratulates these members of our community also for their extraordinary contributions.

• Oregon Fire Chiefs Association Website: ofca.org
• Northwest Fire & Rescue Expo Information: northwestfirerescue.com
• Event info: ofca.org