LOWER LAKE — Lake County Fire Protection District honored distinguished members of its regime on Saturday when the district”s volunteer firefighters” association hosted its annual awards dinner at the Brick Hall in Lower Lake. Award recipients named by the men and women who safeguard some 146 square miles in the south county, received the district”s top honors in recognition of their dedication and outstanding service to the community and their comrades.
Saturday”s event was a reunion of heroes past, present and future. Decades of service filled the room represented by fire personnel and administration both retired and active. Highlight of the evening was the presentation of the association”s rookie and firefighter of the year awards.
Raphael Rodriguez-Gallegos, this year”s recipient of the Firefighter of the Year award was named rookie of the year in 2009. Fire Chief Jim McMurray, who presented the awards, described Rodriguez-Gallegos” dedication as constant and unwavering.
“Last year I gave this firefighter and an ward and it kind of choked me up,” McMurray said, adding that Rodriguez-Gallegos” outstanding dedication earned him rookie of the year by selection of his peers. “He”s always there when he”s need and he”s always there even when he”s not needed.”
After recognizing the support of his wife Rodriguez-Gallegos commended his fellow firefighters and extended gratitude for the time they took in teaching him the ways of the field.
“Rookie of the Year; they usually stand out and there”s no question about who gets it,” McMurray said in announcing the recipient of the award, William Swan.
“It”s a great honor. Thank you very much,” Swan said, adding his gratitude for the guidance of his comrades. “Most of all I”d like to thank my mother and my father.”
Kari Harris was also recognized and thank for her service as outgoing association president. Years of service pens were presented as well.
Bob Minenna was presented with his 15 year pin, which he said was actually 16 years of service with the district and total of 37 years in fire fighting. “I don”t know any other department like us,” he said in accepting the pin. “We”re all called heroes all the time but the real heroes are the wives, the girlfriends, the boyfriends and the children who are there when we have to leave during Christmas dinner. The real heroes are the ones who back us up.”
Adam Clayton was also recognized for 15 years of service with LCFPD. “Ron Walker was the one who signed me up 15 years ago and I really appreciate that,” he said, “and I hope I”m here another 15 years.”
Ten year pins went to current association president John Spriet; Marc Hill and Jason Trudell, who actually has 11 years of service. Five year pins were presented to Kyle Shields, Craig Shields and Odel Landers, who now serves the Northshore Fire Protection District.
The evening concluded with a slide show presentation composed by Battalion Chief Willie Sapeta and his wife Rachael, commemorating the men and women who serve the LCFPD followed by dancing with music by DJ Dre Kutter.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
