Portage Fire Department Recognizes Their Own

It was raining at Frank Gilbert Memorial Park on Saturday morning. But that didn’t deter the Portage Fire Department from proceeding with their annual Promotions and Awards Ceremony. The gentlemen were dressed their best and stood proudly among family and friends as their co-workers -or should I say family- got the recognition that they very much deserved.

The event was opened Portage Fire Department Assistant Chief Joe Calhoun. He was in charge of organizing the awards ceremony and he proudly did his duty as he handed out the well earned awards.

“In the job that we do the guys don’t normally want or expect accolades for what they do. We get in this job for a reason. We enjoy doing this job, but we’re also still human beings. And human beings like to be recognized for what they do. Everybody does. This is our opportunity as a department and as a city to say thanks to the guys for the hard work that they put in and going above and beyond,” Calhoun said. “I am so proud. I love this and doing things for the guys that make them feel like they are appreciated.”

The Presentation of Colors took place and everyone watched in respectful silence. Afterward, awards were presented. Here are the awards and the recipients:

Recognition of Newest Portage Fire Department Personnel- Firefighter/EMT Derek Reiter

Badging of Newly Promoted Personnel - Engineer Chuck Litzkow, Captain Ken Kender

2013 Firefighter of the Year – Firefighter/EMT Dave Duttlinger

2013 EMS Person of the Year – Firefighter/Paramedic Vic Mercaldo

Honorable Service Medal (20 years of service) – Engineer Bill Webb (3/8/13)

Service Commendations

  • Chuck Litzkow
  • Theresa Janovitz
  • Lt. Jim Talmadge
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Jeff Dowling
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Jason Seifert
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Ross Steffel
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Aaron Wirtz
  • Chief Tom Fieffer
  • Lt. Tim Sosby
  • Assistant Chief Dan Kodicek
  • Engineer Ray Blazek
  • DC Ron Ziulkowski
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Jeff Dowling
  • Engineer Chris Alexander
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Mark Walczak
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Nate Bryan
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Tom Dutko
  • Lt. Tim Sosby
  • Assistant Chief Joe Calhoun

End of Service Medal – Engineer Chris Gonzales –After 33 years of service he will retire August 1, 2013

With each award came a heartwarming story or explanation as to why the recipient was getting he award. After awards and promotions were given, everyone stayed at the park and happily congratulated and chatted with the members of the department. Cupcakes and punch were provided and consumed and many pictures were taken, hugs given and hands shaken.

“This is our second year of a formal awards ceremony,” Tom Fieffer, Fire Chief for the Portage Fire Department said. “I think it’s really important for the citizens to see and know the firefighters and see the things that they are doing. We do a lot more than put out fires and we want them to see that. I’m very proud. We’re a good group of guys.”

No one can truly know what these men and women do other than a fellow member of the department. The hard work and dedication given each day is something that we are all so grateful for. So to the men and woman of the Portage Fire Department: thank you for all that you do. You deserve it.

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Click here to see more photos from the ceremony!