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The last update was on Monday, May 05, 2008 12:42:27 . Chairman Rich Tesner once again did an excellent job for the May 3, 2008, event. To go directly to a particular photo section, click on the appropriate link: Joke Awards     FFOY Presentation  25th Anniversary Presentation  FFOY Award List

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Dave Jones, the winner for 2006, presented the award.  The following is the speech he used...
This year's Firefighter of the Year has contributed so much to the department and association.
Some of words and phrases that have used to describe this person are: easy going, honest, humble, not afraid to say what's on his mind, gets along with everyone, and goes above and beyond to help his fellow brothers and sisters of the department.  When asked to do something, this firefighter asks when, what time and where, but never why.
When this firefighter is the driver, no matter what the run is or the community involved, he takes care of his crew and the other member of the department.  He has tools ready when needed.  He always takes care of his truck, making sure tools, air packs, and people are where they are suppose to be.  In the winter, he also make sure that the truck is toasty warm for his crew when the return to the truck.
This person always take care of his hall duties and has been a great mentor to the new firefighters of the department.
This firefighter is involved with many association functions, such as: firefighter retests, parades, fire station open houses, Christmas party and also chairs the pancake breakfast and the Haunted Fire Hall.
This person has been dedicated to the department for over 13 years, enjoys sport - his favorite is hockey, he loves to cook (and is actually good at it).  He even named his dog after a fire truck - Pumper.
It is my honor to presents this years Firefighter of the Year award to James Barr.



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The following introduction was given by Assisant Chief Eric Merriam:
I guess you all know why I am up here.  To honor "THE CHIEF" for 25 years of service.  But knowing "THE CHIEF" and his ODD sense of humor, I have to ask a question.  "Chief", do you want it serious or have some fun? (like he has a choice).
They say behind every great fire chief is a group of officers rolling their eyes. Well here are a few things we've rolled our eyes at.
Firefighting skills: Quick to respond in an emergency (stuck in seat), driving Engine 21 to Flushing (flying over RR tracks), driving Tanker 23 to Flushing (first truck on scene wins), acting as a firefighter in Flushing (me first or I'll step on you), driving Grass 27 through fields (be sure your harness is good and tight boys, the chief is driving.  Just like Cedar Point).  Radio Skills, photography skills and administrative skills.

From Assistant Chief Merriam:
A milestone.
Webster dictionary defines a milestone as "an event of significance in the history of a nation, person, etc".
25 years may seem like an eternity to some, but for what this individual has accomplished is significant to the history of the department.  He has spent almost half his life in the fire service.
From his humble beginnings as a firefighter, he have all he had to keep his job and home life in balance and still give to his community.
Over the years he has held the positions of Lieutenant, Captain and Battalion Chief.
As Battalion Chief, he also was the department Training Officer.  Again, with both feet, he ran with it full bore.  Totally revamping and reorganizing it to what it is today.  Including starting the Olympics program.
It's been 12 years since he was promoted to Chief.  In those few years some of the accomplishments he is accredited with are: implementing automatic mutual aid for which so many other departments have copied.  Lowering the ISO rating which was a tremendous undertaking.  Taught the fire academy class for who knows how may years.  Was able to bring the state retest to Swartz Creek for which has done but progress in time.  He created the web site and taken hundreds if not thousands of pictures.  Some people criticize about the number of pictures, but he knows he is just securing our place in history.
For every association function, you can pretty much bet he had his hand in it someway or another.  In addition, he has been the secretary treasurer for many years.
He throws out words like honor, commitment, self sacrifice.  He has knowingly put his head on the chopping block with the municipalities to fight for what was right for the department.
Finally, he praises God and the love and support of his wife and family.  Without them he wouldn't be as driven as he is.
Ladies and gentlemen please join me in celebrating 25 years of service.  Chief Brent Cole

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As you will note, this award was named in the memory of Chris Hilden, who received the award in 1988, but later died in the line of duty, November 5, 1989, during a structure fire while operating as an engineer.

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