On Sunday afternoon, April 10, Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (VIFR) honored volunteer and paid employees for achievements during 2010. New fire officers Chris Huffman, Brodie Smith, and Josh Munger were officially sworn in as the District's first full-time Shift Captains. The gathering of over 100 at Camp Burton featured the Pierce County Professional Firefighters Local 726 Honor Guard and Pierce County Firefighters Pipes & Drums. Mike Brown, Executive Director for the Washington Fire Chiefs Association and a retired Fire Chief gave the key note address. Individuals receiving service awards included Linda Hamilton and Brett Kranjcevich (30 years); Deborah Brown, Rick Brown, Randy Tonkin, and Leslie Pohl (15 years); Mark Larsen, Charlie Krimmert, and Chris Huffman (10 years); and, Steve Palmer, Mark Brownell, Bill Buchanan, Rick Wallace, David Hoffmann, Gayle Sommers, Ron Turner, and Michael Cochrane (5 years). A resolution from the Board of Fire Commissioners honored EMT and former Firefighter Marie Bradley who retired after 28 years of active duty. Cory Wallace and Randy Tonkin received the High Driller Awards. Yolanda Rugg received the Top Responder Award. High school student Lizzy Corliss received the Outstanding Explorer Award. The Helgeson Award for community volunteerism went to Barbara Cooper. Charlie Krimmert and Josh Munger were selected by their peers for the Campbell Award as Firefighters of the Year. Dr. Sam Warren, VIFR's Medical Director, came from Seattle to present the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) of the Year Award to Medical Supervising Officer Mark Brownell and FF/EMT Paul Schuster. Chief Hank Lipe honored Charlie Krimmert with the Chief's Award. Accepting the Commissioners' Award on behalf of VashonBePrepared (VBP) were Joe Ulatoski, Michael Cochrane, John Cornelison, and Rick Wallace. While presenting the award, VIFR Board Chair Rex Stratton noted VBP's huge contribution toward the community's disaster preparedness. VIFR's ability to respond quickly and effectively to island medical emergencies and fires depends on qualified and dedicated employees and volunteers. It is with gratitude that we recognize the efforts of all our members.
(L to R) Captain Munger, Captain Smith, and Captain Huffman being sworn in.
(First Row - L to R) Lieutenant Krimmert and Captain Munger receiving the Campbell Award (Firefighter of the Year) with (Second Row - L to R) Assistant Chief Brown, Assistant Chief Larsen, Assistant Chief Kranjcevich, and Chief Lipe
EMT Yolanda Rugg receiving the Top Responder Award from Assistant Chief Brown
Chris Huffman receiving his Captain badge from Chief Lipe.
Brodie Smith receiving his Captain badge from his father.
VashonBePrepared receiving Commissioner's Award.
FF/EMT Paul Schuster (L) and FF/Paramedic Mark Brownell (R) receiving the EMS Award from Dr. Sam Warren.
FF/EMT Cory Wallace receiving the High Driller Award from Battalion Chief Cari Coll
Lizzy Corliss receiving the Outstand Explorer Award from FF/EMT John Hemmer.
EMT Marie Bradley receiving recognition for her retirement from VIFR from Commissioner Rex Stratton (L) and Chief Hank Lipe (R).
Retired Fire Chief Mike Brown delivering the keynote address.
