On Thursday, Oct. 4, members of the Barriere Fire Department gathered together with families and guests for a barbecue at the fire hall, which was followed by the presentation of their annual awards for firefighters.
Mayor Bill Humphreys, TNRD rep Mike Fennell, and District CAO Colleen Hannigan were in attendance. Unfortunately, the mayor had to take an early leave of the function before the awards were presented; but Fennell and Hannigan voiced their appreciation for the hard work of the fire department’s members, and for the addition of the first responder program to the curriculum.
Fire Chief Al Kirkwood, and Deputy Chief Rob Lennea made the presentations to the firefighters, thanking them for the time and dedication that they continuously give to their community via the fire department.
Chief Kirkwood and Deputy Chief Lennea presented Training Officer Drew McMartin with the Officer of the Year Award. McMartin also received the Best Attendance of the Year Award, and a Special Merit Award for heading up the Department’s First Responder Program
The Fireman of the Year Award was presented to firefighter Todd English by Chief Al Kirkwood.
The Rookie of the Year Award was presented to firefighter Derek Ficke by Chief Kirkwood. Ficke’s father Rod, and brother Jason, have also been firefighters for the Barriere Department.
The Most Improved Fireman of the Year Award was presented to firefighter Byron Johnson by Chief Al Kirkwood and Deputy Chief Rob Lennea.
A Special Merit Award was presented to fire department member Jerry Wenlock by Chief Kirkwood and Deputy Chief Lennea, for Wenlock’s continued assistance within the fire hall.