Fire department honors its own

Thornton Brown was named Firefighter of the Year and Gail Butler received EMT of the Year honors as the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District recognized the achievements of its staff and volunteers in its annual awards banquet held Saturday, February 12.

Fire Chief Tay Robertson had particular reason to praise the department's fire medics.

"We have the best medics in the world," he said, in the wake of a recent coronary episode that occurred just 24 hours after his return from a trip to South America. The episode left him with a stent and a very personal appreciation for the skills and professionalism of the staff he leads.

The chief said he is feeling fine as he launched into his prepared remarks at the awards dinner. Instead of recounting the events and achievements of the year, Robertson focused on the strengths of the Sisters fire department.

He emphasized the importance of personal and organizational integrity in a world where public officials have recently compromised their honor and that of the people they serve.

Sisters still relies heavily on volunteers, who recorded 7,350 hours for the district in 2010. The chief emphasized the critical staff/volunteer relationship.

"...We have talked over the years about the family that is the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District," Robertson noted.

"The sense of family is critical to our success.

It is a fact that volunteerism in America is in decline.

Slowly, combination departments are moving toward 100 percent career staffing.

It is critical that we preserve the outstanding relationship we have between career and volunteer staff.

We need to continue to be inclusive and welcoming to all who enter our doors, particularly our newest firefighters, EMTs and students.

I applaud the career staff for their outstanding and friendly and open approach to sharing and training for all of our family.

I know that in today's firehouse world, this practice is very unique.

We are truly blessed with this family, Never let that tradition erode or be compromised."

He also thanked the family and friends who provide the critical support network for firefighters and medics, who often work long and unusual hours that take them away from family activities.

"Without your support, we wouldn't have the work force that we have," he said.

The chief handed out two Lifesaving Awards - a mark of the highest calling of members of the emergency services.

Shawn Vial, Jay Crawford, Stuart Honeyman and Thornton Brown were recognized for their efforts in reviving a coronary patient whose condition worsened even as he was placed on a life flight helicopter.

Vial, Andrew Mustola, Clay Davis and Stuart Honeyman were recognized for their efforts in saving a man who had fallen, hitting his head. They defibrillated the man three times, saving his life.

"Basically, we had a patient that they brought back," Robertson said.

Robertson offered up three Chief's Awards. The first went to Deputy Fire Chief Ken Enoch, who plans to retire in June.

Robertson praised Enoch for embodying the kind of integrity, commitment and passion the chief called for in his address.

Retired chaplain John Gerke earned the second Chief's Award, and Ben Bruegeman was recognized for his extraordinary efforts in getting a key radio repeater installed in the area of Hoodoo Mountain Resort.

Former Fire Chief Don Rowe was named Volunteer of the Year for his efforts in fire prevention in the Sisters community.

"I have a passion for fire prevention," Rowe said. "I'm just glad the chief lets me do this work."

Clay Davis was named Rookie of the Year; Student of the Year honors went to Nick Mackenzie, while Rob Harrison was honored for his commitment to Outstanding Fire Fitness.

The awards banquet was held at the Sisters Fire Hall's community hall and was organized by Julie Spor.

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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