[Previous entry: "Saturday is "San Juan Leo Day""] [Next entry: "Robert F. Buck Family Sells Land For Affordable Housing"]

01/22/2007: "SJI Firefighters Honored for Dedicated Service"

(from left to right:Brent Johnson, Doug Maya, Michael Henderson, Jerry Henderson, Jack Casey, Jason Wood, Robert Demar, David Howitt, Albert Olson and Tom Odegard)

Father and son took home two of the major awards at the San Juan Island Fire Department's 22nd annual banquet last week at the Roche Harbor Pavilion. Nearly 100 firefighters and their guests paid tribute to the 2006 contributions of all of the firefighters and support staff.

(Photo left) Jerry Henderson was named Officer of the Year and his son Michael Henderson was named the Rescue Technician of the Year. Rescue techs acquire additional training for responding to motor vehicle accidents and operating the Jaws of Life.

The following other firefighters were honored for their service in 2006:

● Firefighter of the Year – Doug Maya
●Rookie of the Year – David Howitt
●Support Volunteer of the Year – Tom Odegard

The following firefighter of the year station awards were given:
● Station 31(Mullis St.) – Doug Maya
● Station 33 (Little Mountain) – Jack Casey
● Station 34/35 (Sunset Point/ Roche Harbor) – David Howitt, Jason Wood
● Station 36 (Eagle Crest) – Brent Johnson
● Dave Smith received the Smokey Bear Award for all of his work in public education, including transporting the Children's Safety House to and from Burlington.

In another tribute, Peter Kilpatrick was honored for serving with the department for 20 years and Chris Guidotti for 10 years of service. Robert Demar recently retired after 17 years with the department, while Albert Olson was recognized for being in the fire service overall for 40 years.

The San Juan Island Fire Department would also like to recognize the Friday Harbor Fire Department for providing a crew covering an initial response in case of a call during our banquet.