01/30/2008: "Firefighters Honored While Celebrating 50 Years"

ig_50yr_Awards (67k image)
(from left to right: Robin Dyer – Firefighter of the Year, Ron Garner – Support Volunteer of the Year and FireWise Leadership Award, Harry See – Station 31 Firefighter of the Year, Michael Henderson, Station 33 Firefighter of the Year, Jerry Henderson – Rescue Technician of the Year, Ken Clark, Rookie of the Year and Stations 34/35 Firefighter of the Year, and; Tad Lean, Officer of the Year -Photo by Steve Marler)

In a birthday party theme with colorful balloons and streamers, San Juan Island firefighters and their guests celebrated the 50th anniversary of its fire district while paying tribute to the 2007 contributions of it members.

The annual awards banquet was held Saturday at the University of Washington, Friday Harbor Labs dining hall. The firefighters, logistics and Firewise volunteers were honored for their dedicated service in 2007. The group also viewed a slideshow of the fire district’s membership, responses and training over the past five decades.

San Juan County officially recognized San Juan County Fire District #3 as a fire district on October 6, 1958. The fire district covers about 55 square miles, which includes San Juan Island outside the town limits, Brown and Pearl islands.

The following firefighters were honored with special awards for their service in 2007:

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Officer of the Year – Tad Lean
Firefighter of the Year – Robin Dyer
Rescue Technician of the Year – Jerry Henderson
Rookie of the Year – Ken Clark
Support Volunteer of the Year – Ron Garner

The following firefighter of the year station awards were given:
Station 31(Mullis St.) – Harry See
Station 33 (Little Mountain) – Michael Henderson
Station 34/35 (Sunset Point/ Roche Harbor) – Ken Clark
Station 36 (Eagle Crest) – David Howitt

The San Juan Island Fire Department would also like to recognize Friday Harbor Fire Department who stood by to respond to any emergency calls that may have occurred during the banquet.