Awards at the Fire Department Banquet…

Together the Town of Friday Harbor Fire Department and San Juan Island Fire Department (District #3) celebrated the 2010 contributions of its members for the first time in history last Saturday at the University of Washington Dining Hall. The firefighters and support members were honored for their service and dedication to the community.

Elvis was in the house....photo by John Miller.

The banquet held many wonderful surprises, including a mock wedding between the two departments that was officiated by Elvis Presley. There were cheers and laughter throughout the ceremony from the approximately 130 attendees. Firefighter Jeremiah Lord presented a film showcasing the great work of the firefighters with the newly combined department, the firefighter contributions in the previous months, and the continued goal of effectively and efficiently serving the community together.

The following firefighters were honored with awards for their service in 2010:
-Outstanding Service Award: Tom Eades
-Town Firefighter of the Year: Randy Skeels
-District #3 Firefighter of the Year: Harry See
-Town Officer of the Year: Tony Smith
-District #3 Officer of the Year: Brad Creesy
-District #3 Rookie of the Year: Jeremiah Lord
-District #3 Support Volunteer of the Year: Diane Ludeman

The following District #3 firefighter station awards were given:
-Station 31(Mullis St.): Jeremiah Lord
-Station 33 (Little Mountain): Harry See
-Station 36 (Eagle Crest): Tom Odegard, Tender Operator of the Year
-Station 36 (Eagle Crest): Dave Smith, Tender Operator of the Year

Awards recipients on Saturday night...photo by John Miller. Back row, left to right: Brent Johnson, Tom Odegard, Mark Tompkins, Harry See, Jeremiah Lord, Ted Noll.Front row, left to right: Tom Eades, Dave Smith, Tony Smith, Diane Ludeman, Susan Risser

The Special Leadership Award was presented to Susan Risser and Mark Tompkins for their exceptional work in bringing the two departments together.

Retiring Firefighter Jim Guard was honored for his dedication to the fire service for 22 years (1988-2010.)

Kyle Davies, Harry See, Francis Smith and Rebecca Smith were recognized for 15 years of service. David Howitt and Jason Wood were recognized for 5 years of service.

The San Juan Island Firefighters Association gave special awards to Joan Byrne and Ted Noll for their dedication to the fire department and its support activities.

The San Juan Island Fire Department would like to recognize the Orcas Island Fire Department for providing a crew of firefighters to cover initial response in the unfortunate event of a call during the banquet.

The department is always looking for new volunteers for both fire and support services. For more information about the San Juan Island Fire Department please contact us at (360) 378-5334.

– by Jenny Benedict

You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.