Fire districts honor their finest

Sandy, Hoodland recognize those who have gone above and beyond

By Jim Hart And Garth Guibord

The Sandy Post, Feb 24, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (4 Reader comments)

contributed photo

Showing their reserved pride after being recognized for another year of exemplary service to the community are three of Sandy’s firefighters of the year, from left, Glenn Yeager, Jon Turcotte and Martin Grassl.

The Sandy and Hoodland fire districts recently recognized the select few of their members who have gone over and above their call to duty during the past year. The Boring Rural Fire District will recognize its exemplary members Saturday, Feb. 28.

At recent awards ceremonies, several firefighters and officers from Sandy and the Mountain Villages were brought before their peers to literally stand out in a crowd. They stood in front of the large group of career staff, volunteer firefighters, apparatus operators and emergency medical technicians holding their plaques and listening to the loud applause.

Sandy Fire District

The members showing exemplary character, work ethic and commitment to service, according to Fire Prevention Officer Alice Lasher, included Glenn Yeager, firefighter of the year; Captain Martin Grassl, officer of the year; and Jon Turcotte, probationary firefighter of the year.

“These individuals have demonstrated the ability to work under extreme pressure, and have the desire to learn and teach,” Lasher said. “It is individuals such as these that challenge the rest of us to meet them at the top.”

As firefighter of the year, Yeager was chosen by the large membership of volunteer firefighters.

Yeager says he grew up in an emergency-service environment. His father and stepfather were firefighters, and his mother worked with ambulances as well as with the police. But as mentors, they didn’t pressure him to become a firefighter.

“This is my passion,” he said. “It’s in my blood. I got the inside, behind-the-scenes look at what they do and how they feel, and it appealed to me.”

During 2008, Yeager responded to 585 alarms, staffed the station evenings and attended 169 hours of training. He assisted with many community education outreach activities and has become a favorite fire station tour guide with children. According to Lasher, he demonstrates the level of commitment to service that provides a stellar example to others.

“It takes a special person to put their life on the line for a stranger,” he said, speaking about firefighters. “Our mission is to respond on a moment’s notice and do everything we can to make whatever is wrong, right — or at least better.”

As officer of the year, Grassl was chosen by the volunteer firefighters. In his 28 years as a volunteer firefighter, this was the fifth time he has earned this award.

It is obvious that firefighters are members of a mutual admiration society. Grassl says he loves the comradeship.

“This work is real rewarding,” he said. “There’s a lot of camaraderie; they’re all good people. And I like to help my neighbors.”

During the year, Grassl responded to 213 alarms, staffed duty officer evenings and overnight duty shifts, and participated in 147 hours of personal training.

In addition, he gave uncounted hours training others. Grassl assists in the firefighter drivers’ training program.

Grassl is often chosen as a mentor by new members who see in him a high degree of professionalism behind a smiling face and positive attitude, Lasher said.

Named probationary firefighter of the year, Turcotte was chosen by the training officer and instructors who taught the classes.

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