January 25, 2009

Department hosts Awards Banquet

       The White River Township Fire Department held its 57th annual Awards Banquet last evening in the banquet hall at the Piper's Cafe and Grand Hall in Indianapolis.  Over 140 people were in attendance that included both department employees as well as several area dignitaries.  This year's event consisted of a fully-catered dinner followed by a recap of 2008, awards presentation, and a year-end video screening.  The awards, spanning several categories, are given to department employees for service excellence and other areas of recognition in commemoration of the year 2008.  The highest award, Employee of the Year, was awarded to two employees this year.  The honor was given to Administrative Assistant Crystal Young and Fire Prevention Officer Craig Zollars, both for their commitment and motivation demonstrated consistently throughout the year.  Two of the department's employees, Firefighter/EMT Chris Kindred and Firefighter/EMT Tyler Derringer were recognized by Congressman David Frizzel, Senator Brent Waltz, and Indiana Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman for their bravery and duty to country while serving in the military in Iraq.  Other awards included EMT of the Year, which was awarded to Firefighter/EMT Jason Smith, and Paramedic of the Year, which was awarded to Captain/Paramedic Jeff Wilson.  Cadet of the Year was Jacob Turpin.  The department also handed out a Medal of Valor Award to crews for rescuing a woman from a burning home, a Medal of Honor Award to crews who responded to the record flooding in June, several five and ten-year service awards, recognized a multitude of public and private service agencies, and also honored several employees who received promotions in 2008.

           

           
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