Keizer Fire District Holds Annual Awards Reception‏ (PHOTOS)

A special guest shared the history of the beginnings of emergency medicine in the fire service and the role that the television series "Emergency!" played in that history.

Clockwise from top left: Karen Bracken, Employee of the Year; Bill Herring, Firefighter of the Year; Jay Pippert, Rookie of the Year; and Ryan Harris, EMT of the Year. Photos courtesy: Jim Trett/Keizer Fire.

(KEIZER, Ore.) - The Keizer Fire District held its annual Firefighter Reception on Monday, January 19th 2009. Special guest Randolph Mantooth of the television show "Emergency!" delivered the keynote address.

The ceremony introduced new recruits, swearing in of new Firefighters by Oregon State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson and the presentation of the District's service awards.

Mantooth is widely recognized for his portrayal of Los Angeles County Firefighter/Paramedic Johnny Gage in the popular 1970's era NBC Universal series "Emergency!" The series is considered one of major factors in moving the fire service into the emergency medical field. Mantooth shared the history of the beginnings of emergency medicine in the fire service and the role that the television series played in that history.

Volunteer Firefighter Bill Herring Jr. was recognized as the Keizer Fire District's Volunteer Firefighter of the Year for 2008. Herring joined the District in November of 2001 as member of the Explorer Post sponsored by the Keizer Fire District and is currently serving as a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician-Basic.

In making the presentation, Fire Chief Jeff Cowan noted that "Herring has been extremely active in both the activities of the Keizer Fire District and the Keizer Volunteer Firefighters Association". Chief Cowan cited Herring's high achievement in drill attendance, shift coverage and the fact that Herring had responded to 737 of the 4,007 alarms the Keizer Fire District received in 2008. Cowan went on to say that Herring has played an active role in the training program of the District and often serves as an Acting Lieutenant when coverage is needed.

The Employee of the Year Award was presented to Office Manager Karen Bracken. Bracken joined the Keizer Fire District May of 1998. In making the presentation, Chief Cowan noted that Bracken "exemplifies dedication and has a strong commitment to excellence. Chief Cowan made note of Bracken's loyalty and the fact that she is "always seeking perfection in carrying out her duties". Cowan told the crowd that Bracken's selection was also approved by a unanimous vote of the District's Board of Directors.

The EMT of the Year award was presented to Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Harris. Harris, who joined the District in January of 2005, was selected by his peers of the Keizer Fire District. Chief Cowan in presenting the award to Harris stated that he is known for his "can do spirit and true compassion in patient care." Chief Cowan went on to say, "Ryan treats patients with genuine kindness". Harris is known to frequently be on the first arriving unit because all other units are already on calls.

Jay Pippert was announced as the recipient of the Ted King Rookie of the Year Award. Lieutenant Tony Ling, Volunteer Firefighter Recruit Training Academy Officer, noted that the criteria for selection included call responses, extra curricula activities, duty shifts covered, drill activities and class scores. Ling told the audience that Pippert had responded to 325 calls between January and November of 2008 and was the only Recruit to maintain 100% drill attendance. Ling told the gathering that Pippert "received the highest scores in the class, and was always challenging me with the answers to his quizzes, even if he got them correct". Lengths of Service

Awards were presented to the following individuals:
10 years:
Todd Barker
Karen Bracken
Tony Ling
Ron Raleigh
5 years:
Cody Miller
Kurt Shelton
Mike Turner

The new Firefighters were sworn in after successfully completing the District's year long training and probation program. They are:Jared CaruthJay PippertIra SimeralJorge AriasJon Crow Also introduced were the members of the 2009 recruit class who recently started indoctrination training.

They are: Aric Blankenbaker, Kevin Clark, Adam Giblin, Alejandro Hernandez, Brice Hoffmeister, Wally Putnam, Joe Quintana, Chad Robb, Hannah Robinson, Ryan Steckly, Aaron Stefanek and Bret White.

Top to bottom in the photos below: Bill Herring, Firefighter of the Year; Ryan Harris, EMT of the Year; Karen Bracken, Employee of the Year; and Jay Pippert, Rookie of the Year. Photos courtesy: Jim Trett/Keizer Fire