Natalie Grove
Volunteer Firefighter James Seward was named both Firefighter of the Year and Rescue Tech of the Year Saturday night, Feb. 22, at the Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District’s 2013 Annual Awards Dinner.
The event, which was likely retiring Fire Chief Mike Beaver’s final awards dinner as chief, was devoted to recognizing some longtime district personnel as well as some newcomers.
Diane Shank, retiring this year, was recognized for her 33 years of service with a standing ovation from the approximately 75 people in attendance. Shank continued to win awards throughout the evening including Employee of the Year and the Keith Gabriel Humanitarian Award.
Firefighter Joe Graville, also retiring this year, was awarded with a plaque for his 25 years of “dedicated service to the City of Sweet Home and the Sweet Home Fire & Ambulance District.”
Beaver opened the evening by congratulating the staff for handling a record number of calls for the year, 2,212, with a low accident rate. That number was up from 2,085 for 2012 and 2,200 for 2011.
He, who has served as chief since 2001, also reported that over the past year, the district has received two grants which funded much needed equipment.
A $60,510 Firefighters Assistance Grant was used to purchase firefighter protective equipment. Thirty new outfits were replaced to outfit over 50 percent of Sweet Home’s firefighting force.
A grant from the “Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund” funded the purchase of electronic equipment including two new computers, a projector, and a projector screen now used for training firefighters and emergency medical technicians.
“The district staff and patrons would like to thank the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund and FEMA for their considerations and grant awards to the Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District,” Beaver said.
Other honorees were:
Anderson Auto body of Sweet Home as supporting business of the year, for “their acts of service and help with vehicles throughout the year was greatly appreciated.”
Several members of the district were recognized and applauded for their years of service:
Tim Walker, firefighter and paramedic, for his 20 years of service; Battalion Chief/Paramedic Ken Weld for 15 years; and Firefighter/Intern Medic Adam Hummer was recognized for five years; and Lt. Firefighter/Paramedic Jared Richey, Lt. Firefighter/Paramedic Josh Bondesen and Lt Volunteer Firefighter Chris Johnson were each recognized for 10 years of service to the district.
New recruits Jason Melkvik, Kaitlin Keenon and Jill Ray were all welcomed to the station with applause, as well as Junior Firefighters JT Weld, Mark Taraski and Charlie Guerrero.
The awards for the 2013 year were voted on by peers and presented by the 2012 winners.
Weld was named Officer of the Year, Greg Mahler as Engineer of the Year, and Tim Walker as Medic of the Year.
Keith Sautel, a firefighter at the main district station, was awarded Rookie of the Year, and the Pride & Ownership award went to Chaplain Peter Taraski.
Beaver closed the evening with a thank you to all the staff and district members: “My job is so much easier with all of you here. Thank you.”