Firefighters who were among the top 10 responders in 2017 included, from left, Doug Mitchell, Brad Wheeler, Nick Schultz, Wade Courter, Skip Kelley and Kelsey Weiss. Not pictured—Todd Courter, Rick Elliott, Brad Dillan and Eric Lakey. (Johnson Publications photo)
Earning some of the department’s top annual awards were, from left, Doug Mitchell, Aaron Greene, Daryl Sharp, all who received the Francis Nichols Attendance Award, and Wade Courter, who earned the IVFD’s top award—Bob Allen Memorial Fireman of the Year. Greene also received the Nichols Memorial Training Award. Not pictured—Rick Elliott, Officer of the Year. (Johnson Publications photo)
Earning plaques for their years of service, which the IVFD awards in five-year increments, were, from left, Daryl Sharp, Greg Koellner, Skip Kelley and John Schilke. Not pictured—Greg Dannatt. (Johnson Publications photo)
Imperial firefighters recognize their own
In between a challenging dodgeball tournament earlier that day and fire calls this week, members of the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department (IVFD) took time to recognize their own Saturday night.
It was the annual awards night held at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall. Firefighters, their spouses or guests, retired members of the department and a rural board representative attended.
Fire Chief Doug Mitchell emceed the program and presented awards.
Beforehand, Mitchell took time to note the number of volunteer hours IVFD members spent in 2017.
The department’s firefighters tallied 1,090 training hours, 1,238 hours in actual firefighting and 480 hours in meetings.
That adds up to 2,808 hours, or the equivalent of 117 entire days, he noted.
“That’s a lot of hours helping the community,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the rural board and city for the equipment they provide to the department.
Mitchell said bunker gear for four or five more firefighters is being replaced this year at $6,000 apiece with that cost funded by both the city and rural board.
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