Firefighters, first responders honored

Pike County Emergency Services held its annual awards ceremony during the Pike County Firefighter dinner Dec. 13. This year the event was at the R.F. Strickland Building in Concord and many Emergency Medical Technicians, Emergency Medical Responders, firefighters and officers were recognized for their services in the county during the year.’Each year we award lifesaving awards to personnel who contribute directly to the treatment and survival of patients,’ said fire chief Randy Snyder. ‘This year our personnel were credited with two cardiac saves.’Outstanding members of PCES were presented with the Emergency Medical Responder, Rookie and Firefighter of the Year awards. Firefighter of the YearDue to his willingness to train, exceptional firefighting skills, professional leadership abilities, willingness to act decisively and dedication to the citizens, the 2013 Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to firefighter and EMT Jacob McCullough of Station 8. This award is given to the fire suppression, EMS, training or prevention assigned individual who is selected as the most outstanding firefighter for the year. He or she must have exemplary performance that clearly places the firefighter above their peers. Emergency Medical Responder of the YearDue to her sound judgment, willingness to act, calm demeanor, consistent professionalism and care for citizens, the EMT of the Year Award 2013 was awarded to senior firefighter and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Anita Neath of Station 1. This is the second time she has earned the honor. The award is given to the fire suppression, EMS, training or prevention assigned person who is selected as the most outstanding medical responder for the year. The individual honored must have exemplary performance that clearly places him or her above their peers. 2013 Rookie of the YearDue to his remarkable commitment, involvement with public education and safety events, involvement with training fellow firefighters, never ending fervor and enthusiastic willingness to serve the citizens, the 2013 Rookie of the Year Award was given to firefighter Maury ‘Moe’ Morgan of Station 3. This award is given to the fire suppression, EMS, training or prevention assigned individual selected as the most outstanding rookie for the year. He or she must have exemplary performance that clearly places the rookie above their peers. The term rookie is defined as any individual that has been involved with PCES for less than two years.Chief’s AwardDue to her willingness and dedication to mitigate the risk to citizens and the community overall through the department’s education programs, the 2013 Chief’s Award for Excellence in Fire Prevention and Public Education was presented to firefighter and EMT Danielle Kelly of Station 2. The Chief’s Award is given to the fire suppression, EMS, training or prevention assigned individual who has directly contributed to the mission of Pike Emergency Services. One of the pillars of the department’s mission is the prevention of fires, accidents and injuries through fire prevention and public education.Other honorsSeveral personnel completed certification classes in the past year and 23 received certificates of varying levels of training.In 2013, the department took part in many fire prevention and public education events. For their participation, the following received a Chief’s Award for Excellence in Fire Prevention and Public Education: FF/EMR Kyle Chambers of Station 8, SFF/EMR Jennifer Farmer of Station 3, FF/EMR Blake Gaddy of Station 7, FF/EMT Danielle Kelly of Station 2, FF/FR Tyler Keyes of Station 3, FF/EMT Lindsey Kirkland of Station 8, FF/EMR Kolby Lynch of Station 3, FF/EMR Randy Martin of Station 7, FF/EMT Jacob McCullough of Station 8, Capt. Brian Michel of Station 3, FF Maury Morgan of Station 3, FF/EMR Billy Payton of Station 3, FF/EMT Ryan Reeves of Station 3, FF/EMR Jim Roberts of Station 5, FF/EMR Joey Sandefur of Station 3, Capt. Nick Straight of Station 7, SFF/EMT Julie Shonfelt of Station 3, Battalion Chief Jim Totten, North Battalion, SFF Teri Totten of auxiliary and Lt. Hal Williams of Station 7.