Top responders in 2018 were, front from left, Wade Courter, Skip Kelley, Duane Todd, back from left, Brad Wheeler, Doug Mitchell, Douglas Wright, Rick Elliott and Aaron Greene. Not pictured—Eric Lakey, Mike Rowley and Kelsey Weiss. (Johnson Publications photo)
IVFD members receiving some of the top awards were, from left, Aaron Greene, Francis Nichols Memorial Attendance Award; Wade Courter, Firefighter of the Year; and Brad Dillan, Driver of the Year. Not pictured—Kelsey Weiss. (Johnson Publications photo)
Recognized for longevity of service were, from left, Sergio Almanza, Brad Dillan and Rob Browning. (Johnson Publications photo)
IVFD gathers for annual awards night
Members of the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department (IVFD), retired firefighters and guests gathered Saturday night for the annual IVFD awards night.
Fire Chief Doug Mitchell emceed the program, during which awards were announced for years of service, response to calls, training hours and even a few “bloopers.”
The Department’s top award, Firefighter of the Year, went to Wade Courter for a second consecutive year. He again received the praise of his fellow firefighters, who cast ballots for that award.
Courter received a trophy that features a sculpted firefighter.
Kelsey Weiss, the IVFD’s second asst. chief, earned a pair of coveted awards—Officer of the Year (voted on by the membership) and the Francis Nichols Memorial Training Award. The Nichols award recognizes the member who completed the most training hours in 2018. Weiss tallied 132.
Aaron Greene received another of the IVFD’s top awards, the Francis Nichols Memorial Attendance Award. Greene had the best attendance at IVFD meetings and practices in 2018.
Brad Dillan, a 15-year IVFD member, was voted Driver of the Year by his fellow firefighters.
Eleven firefighters were recognized as the IVFD’s top responders on calls. They usually give 10, but there was a tie so 11 were honored this year with a gift certificate to Platinum T-shirt & Embroidery.
Mitchell told the 60 attendees the department now has a full roster of 35 members, something other departments envy.
“We are fortunate here with a full roster. That’s not the case everywhere,” he said.
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