The Marshfield Fire Protection District gathered last month for its annual End-of-the-Year Awards Banquet to recognize outstanding service and dedication among its members. The event not only honored those who reached significant service milestones but also highlighted exceptional contributions across various categories of the department’s operations.
Fire Chief Michael Taylor spoke about the importance of the annual celebratory awards banquet, emphasizing the department's commitment to recognizing hard work and fostering professional growth.
“We’ve been holding this banquet for as long as I can remember,” Chief Taylor explained. “It’s a time to recognize the achievements of our firefighters, from their years of service to their excellence in training and response. We have a variety of awards—everything from ‘Officer of the Year’ to ‘Firefighters’ Choice,’ and we are proud to honor those who stand out throughout the year.”
Year-End Incident Totals
In 2024, the department responded to 1,642 incidents, including 598 fire/non-EMS calls and 1,044 EMS/non-fire calls. Among these calls were 30 structure fires, showcasing the department’s vital role in community safety.
Recognition for Years of Service
The evening included recognition for years of service, with awards given to members who reached significant milestones in their careers:
• 1 Year of Service: Capt. Trevor Bissell, TJ Ince, Caleb Elliott, Angela Fisher, Brian Gentry, David Cantrell, Mike Reynolds, Sam Gentry, and R.J. White.
• 5 Years of Service: Cierra Cramer, Kailey Smith, and Lt. Greg Pace.
• 10 Years of Service: Kit Gaynor, Capt. Andrew Blanton, and Lt. Josh Smith.
• 15 Years of Service: Kevin M. Davis.
• 35 Years of Service: Chief Michael Taylor.
Awards for Outstanding Contributions
Several individuals were honored for their exceptional contributions throughout the year:
• Officer of the Year: Capt. Trevor Bissell
• Volunteer Firefighter of the Year: Firefighter Kailey Smith
• Volunteer EMS Responder of the Year: Firefighter John Van Note (72 calls)
• Volunteer Fire Service Responder of the Year: Firefighter Kailey Smith (88 calls)
• Career Firefighter of the Year: Firefighter Michael Reynolds
• Rookie of the Year: Firefighter David Cantrell
• MFFA Presidents Award: Capt. Trevor Bissell
• Firefighters’ Choice Award: Firefighters Boden Smith and Kailey Smith
• Cadet of the Year: Cadet Firefighter Sam Gentry
• Excellence in Training Award: Firefighter Brian Gentry
• Instructor of the Year Award: Capt. Travis Cramer
• Auxiliary Member of the Year: Suzanne Thoms
Master Firefighter Program Recognitions
The department also recognized those who achieved significant milestones in the Master Firefighter Program, an educational pathway designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of both career and volunteer firefighters:
• Master Firefighter 1: Assistant Chief Joe Jeter and Assistant Chief Rick Fletcher
• Master Firefighter 2: Captain Travis Cramer and Fire Chief Michael Taylor
Chief Taylor discussed the department’s ongoing commitment to professional development through the Master Firefighter Program, which provides a roadmap for firefighters to achieve the highest levels of education and training available.
“This program is an educational roadmap to success. It’s designed to guide both career and volunteer firefighters from day one, helping them to achieve the highest level of training, which culminates in the Master Firefighter designations,” Taylor noted. “It’s a rigorous program, but it’s an investment in our firefighters and the community.”
With another year of service and dedication behind them, the members of the Marshfield Fire Protection District are already focused on continuing their mission to protect and serve the community.
“I’m incredibly proud of all our members and the work they do,” Chief Taylor boasted. “Every year, we see growth, both individually and as a department, and I look forward to what we can achieve together in the future.”
See Career Firefighter of the Year feature HERE.
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