Recognized for years of service were, from left, Bill Whitlow, Stewart Weiss, Brad Wheeler, Rick Elliott, Daryl Sharp and Doug Mitchell. (Johnson Publications photo)
Among the department’s top 10 responders were, front from left, Dan Robinson, Skip Kelley, Josh Moreno, Corkey Waide, back from left, Duane Todd, Aaron Greene, Brad Wheeler, Doug Mitchell and Nick Schultz. Not pictured—Wade Courter. (Johnson Publications photo)
Dustin Holmes was all smiles as he received his IVFD coat and badge from Dan Robinson. (Johnson Publications photo)
Firefighters earn recognition from peers
Firefighters from Imperial were recognized for their time and commitment on the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department (IVFD) at the organization’s annual awards banquet Saturday.
Fireman of the Year and other awards, including the IVFD’s top 10 responders, years of service and a few special recognitions, were announced relative to the year 2016.
Special guests included spouses or significant others of the firefighters, along with retired IVFD members and a rural fire board member.
Doug Mitchell, who is serving his first year as chief, was chosen Fireman of the Year on a vote from his fellow firefighters. Mitchell also was chosen Officer of the Year.
Other top awards went to Wade Courter, Lineman of the Year; Brad Dillan, Driver of the Year; and Aaron Greene and Mitchell, who tied for the Francis Nichols Attendance Award for responding to the most fires and attendance at meetings and trainings.
The Top 10 firefighters who tallied the most responses to fires in 2016 included Duane Todd, Dan Robinson, Wade Courter, Nick Schultz, Doug Mitchell, Aaron Greene, Skip Kelley, Brad Wheeler, Corkey Waide and Josh Moreno. They received engraved insulated drink cups.
Brad Wheeler received a handsome plaque embedded with a fireman’s ax for his 30 years of IVFD service.
Others recognized for service years were Doug Mitchell, Daryl Sharp and Rick Elliott, all 20 years; Stewart Weiss, 10 years; and Bill Whitlow, five years.
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