Firefighters give awards

There is an unspoken sense of camaraderie that exists between those who risk everything, a glue that connects at the soul. Never was that bond stronger than at this year's annual firefighters' dinner at the FivePine Conference Center.

All heads were bowed as the invocation set the mood for the evening:

"It is so wonderful for us to all be gathered together in a non-emergency situation," said John Gerke, Chaplain for the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District. "I am also so grateful that the spouses are here, as well, because without you this whole thing would fall apart."

As dinner plates were cleared and many were succumbing to dessert, Chief Taylor Robertson mounted the stage to focus the group on the purpose of the evening.

"Tonight I usually provide the 'State of the Department' (speech) and thank and recognize every one of you who have made this another outstanding year," he said.

The chief brought every one up to the minute about the happenings within the department, pointing out that the strategic plan update is nearly completed and revealing the new vision statement.

"Our vision is to be a world-class fire district that sets the standards in public service, fire prevention, rescue, suppression and Emergency Medical Services utilizing effective and innovative practices," said Chief Robertson. "And I believe that we can realize that vision."

The next order of business was to give the oath of office to Don Boyd, who is filling a vacated position on the fire district board (see related story, page 21). At the conclusion of the swearing-in ceremony, the fire district board gave a special award to the district's volunteers, a 50-inch flat-screen television which will be mounted in the common area of the new fire hall.

"We went considerably over budget with this award; that means that next year the award will be pretty thin," quipped board president David Elliott.

The fire hall construction project is nearing completion, with the new addition slated to be ready for occupancy in about six weeks. Many are curious about the new hall, and an open invitation was extended for the public to view the new facility.

"If there is anyone who would like to see the new hall, just call the department and we will arrange a tour for you," said Chief Robertson.

The Chief's Award went to two different individuals this year: Director Chuck Newport and Captain Thornton Brown. Gail Butler was named Rookie of the Year, and Stuart Honeyman collected the Volunteer of the Year award for the second time in a row. The EMT of the Year is Rita Hodge, and Bill Hayes is the Firefighter of the Year.

Excitement built as time for the not-so-coveted Water Shovel Award approached. This is the award that everyone wants someone else to receive. It is awarded for the most spectacular blunder of the year in which the only collateral damage is egg on the face. Although there was fierce competition this year for the dubious honor, the hands down winner was Lyle Miller.

Firefighter Miller received the award for his investigation of a glow on the crest of Green Ridge above Camp Sherman, believing that it was the outbreak of a new wildfire. His hopes were dashed and the Water Shovel Award was cinched when it was reported by the Black Butte police that the glow on the horizon was the moon rising.