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.
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.
