On Saturday, October 24th, 2009, the department held their annual awards presentations and appreciation supper for various invited guests. Its an annual event that the department holds to say "thanks" to its members; spouses; members' employers; special dignitaries; lifetime members and such. We also present our awards at this time. The following is the awards given out:
Firefighter of the Year: The department members cast anonimous votes for any of the rostered members of the department. This year, the department chose Buddy Cronin as the Firefighter of the Year for his many years of continual service, dedication and leadership to the department. Buddy has held the Fire Chief position in years past as well as a Captain. He was instrumental in the design & concept and was the lead foreman of the fire hall remodel project that took place in the winter of 2008/09. Buddy had also received the Firefighter of the Year award in 2000 also.
Lifetime Member: The department recognized a recently retired member for his many years of service and dedication to the department. Bob Jeffries received this award for his 36 years of service (1973 to May 2009.). Bob started out in what was then the "junior" fire program at an age of 14. He then joined the "big boys" at the age of 16. Bob has many interesting fire department stories to tell for all the years he has been on. Congrats Bob and Thank you for all of your time!
Past Chief Award: The department gives out recognition to those that have formerly served as Chief of the department. The Chief's job takes a lot of time and "behind the scenes" work that many dont see or know about. This year, the department recognized Eric Paul for his time in 2008 that he was Chief. Although Eric moved away part way through his term as Chief, his work didnt go unnoticed.
Friends of the Fire Department: Each year, various business persons in town help the department in many ways. Sometimes they donate manpower labor; materials or their expertise for things the department has going on. This year, the fire department designated 2 friends of the fire department for their help. One, to Bottomline Welding (Sonny Harrawa) for many hours of non charged labor & materials at no or reduced price. Most of the time, Sonny just tells us, "dont worry abou it" when asked what it will cost to fix something or build something. Our second one went to Morris Inc (John Morris). There are times we need equipment to do a project or task, and John steps up and lets us use whatever we need at no charge. Morris has saved us a lot of money each year by not having to buy or rent the equipment. Thanks Bottomline & Morris Inc.!!
Fire Chiefs Award: This years award goes out to Shane Cronin. This award was started a few years ago and there are certain requirements such as must have been on more than 2 years; etc. This class of member must be continually an asset to the department throughout their careers - whether they have been on for many years or just a few. Shane has certainly met that criteria as he has been a Captain, Assistant Chief in the past and is currently a board member. Shane also has been a certified instructor for the State Fire Service training classes that are put on. Shane had an integral part in the remodel project that we did at our station and he had the initial vision that we chose to go with.
Special Recognition: The department also recognized a few of the members that spent literally every weekend and several nights each week for months on end working on the remodel project. Although these guys were not the only members working on the project, estimates are that each of these guys put in between 1,000 to 1,500 hours a piece in building; design; and getting the project done. The project started on December 13, 2008 and went very hard until about mid June, then was worked on between other summer schedules from there until October 24th. Recognized by the department were Buddy Cronin, Shane Cronin and Rick Cronin. Thanks you guys for your time and thanks to all our members that helped in this major project.
Department holds annual election of officers:
The Fort Pierre Fire Department held its annual elections of officers on December 11th,2008 to elect officers for the 2009 year. The officers staff includes as follows: Rick Cronin will again lead the department for 2009 and will make it 9 1/2 years as Chief for him. Joe Meligan will serve as Assistant Chief and this will make it his 4 year in the position. Mark Menning will serve as 1st Captain and has served in this position for 3 years. Dave LaRoche will again be the 2nd Captain and it will be his 2nd year in the position. Cody Lengkeek will be the 3rd Captain and will also be his 2nd year in that position. These officers have devoted an enormous amount of time to the department and are well rounded leaders and firefighters.
Goals for 2009 will be to recruit at least 8 new members; to continue in our training; to reduce damage to property due to fire; to have 0 fire related deaths or injuries and to continue good customer service to the community that trusts us to do just that.
Awards and Appreciation Supper - 2008:
On Saturday, March 29th, members of the department hosted their annual appreciation supper and awards banquet for department members; spouses; employers of members; city and county officials and other invited guests. It is an annual event held in order to say "thanks" to those folks for everything they have done for us for the past year. The department also gives out various awards and recognition. This year, the following awards were given out:
Firefighter of the year for 2007: Mark Menning
Friends of the fire department: for services provided over and above: Jeff Koster of Premier Pyrotechnics for donating the fireworks display for fire school and to Johnny Smith on behalf of the South Dakota Beef Industry Council for requesting steaks from the council for our fire school.
Honorary Membership: to past members of the department that had retired since the last steakfeed that the department wanted to recognize for their service: Steven Cronin- 6 years; Curt Rees- 13 years and Ron Ramsey- 12 years.
Past Chiefs Award: Joe Meligan for being Chief in 2007.
Fire Chiefs Award: to Joseph Boxley for time and dedication at fires; trainings and other activities with the department.
Lifetime Members: For former (retired) members with a minimum of 20 years on the department: Butch Davis for 31 years and Gordon Paul for 28 years of service.
It was also pointed out to the invited guests that the Fort Pierre Fire Department hosted the 2007 South Dakota State Fire School as well as won the 3-man State Championship in evolution competition at fire school in 2007.
2008 Fire Command Officers Chosen
At the December 2007 annual meeting, the department conducted the annual elections as well. The following will be the command officers for 2008: The Chief for 2008 will be Eric Paul, who held the 1st Captains' position in 2007. The Assistant Chief will continue to be Rick Cronin, who held that position in 2007. Mark Menning will be the 1st Captain, which he held the position of 2nd Captain in 2007. New to being officers are Dave LaRoche at 2nd Captain and Cody Lengkeek at 3rd Captain. All Command officers are 1 year terms beginning on January 1st, 2008.
Firefighter of the Year-2006
The Fort Pierre Fire Department wishes to single out and recognize our firefighter of the year for 2006. The department has chosen Chief Joe Meligan as our Firefighter of the Year for his outstanding service to the department and the community. This award designation is chosen by the department membership annually. Joe joined the department in August of 1998. Joe received this award at our annual department steakfeed employer appreciation and awards night held on March 24th. We Thank You, Joe, for everything you do!!
Fire Chiefs Award - 2006
On March 24th the the annual steakfeed employer appreciation and awards night, the Fort Pierre Fire Department recognized another member of the department for their service to the department. The first annual Fire Chiefs Award, which is voted upon by the officers of the department, was given to a member of the department who continually participates in trainings; work around the fire hall; fire and emergency calls; and any other duty that takes place and does so without question and without complaint. The 2006 Fire Chief Award recipient is a well deserving member of our crew and joined in 1999, thus having just completed his 8th year on the department. At this time, the Fort Pierre Fire Department would like to recognize and thank Justin Jones for his time and dedication to the department and the community!!
Friend of the Fire Department - 2006
The Fort Pierre Fire Department now wishes to recognize a member of the community that has been singled out by the department membership for their support to our department in more ways than one. This award was started several years ago by the department because we saw the need to recognize various people that have gone above and beyond in their support. The "Friend of the Fire Department" award for 2006 goes out to Barry Heiss of Fort Pierre for all he has done. Thank you, Barry!!
