The Cole County Fire Protection District recently held their 2014 annual service awards banquet to show appreciation to the firefighters for their years of service and dedication to the district.
This year, 11 firefighters were recognized for a combined 205 years of service to the district. The combined years of service of all district personnel is more than 1,200.
"This in itself shows the commitment to the district by its personnel in the aspects of training, call response and the rewards of helping others in their time of need," said district spokesman Steve Cearlock.
The following firefighters were recognized for years of service.
Five years: Bradley Lepper
10 years: Jason Bittle, Blake Bopp, Eric Berendzen
15 years: Jason Hammann, Josh Hammann
20 years: Scott Kempker
25 years: Rich Gordon
30 years: Gary Berendzen
35 years: Jim Call
45 years: Donnie Braun
Firefighter of the Year: Jimmy Buechter
Officer of the Year: Steve Cearlock
Special Recognition Award: Shelby and Klint Braun
Outstanding Community Service Award: Gary Berendzen
There were also several firefighters recognized for responding to the most calls. They received the Deputy Chief's Top 10 Most Wanted Award.
Those receiving this award included Galen Hammann, Justin Braun, Gary Berendzen, Steve Barnes, Jason Hammann, Robbie Hammann, Jimmy Buechter, Bradley Kempker, Kyle Carwell and Rich Gordon.
There were also awards given for perfect attendance at training session and those firefighters recognized were Donnie Braun, Gary Smith, Galen Hammann, Robbie Hammann, Kyle Carwell, Nathan Luebbering and Mac Kennedy.