This year’s Firefighter of the Year is a 17 year veteran of the Fire Department.  In his tenure here he has achieved many certifications and contributed in many ways.  His leadership road wasn’t always a smooth one.  He faced adversity and had to persevere through some challenges times.  However, in the end I feel as though this experience only made him stronger.

He is a well-respected officer.  This is due to the fact that he is well trained, well-spoken and dedicated to his work.  When he gets involved in a project it can be assumed that his contributions to the project will far outweigh the compensation he may receive.  Yet, he presses on and works hard to do the right thing.

Some individuals that serve in the same role are content to do, “just enough”.  This individual, “cannot do enough”.  I sincerely believe that he has a dedication to his work that is not found in many.  He appreciates what he has, and he works for what is yet to come.

In my position I have the latitude to choose the recipient of this award without any outside influence.  Some years I struggle, but this year it was an easy choice.  I owe him a debt of gratitude for what he has done for the Department, but more importantly, I look forward to what he has yet to do.