Sandy firefighters honored for their work

By Jim Hart

The Sandy Post, Jan 26, 2010, Updated Jan 26, 2010

Steve Wolf / contributed photo

Some of the award winners in the Sandy Fire District’s annual recognition are pictured on a fire engine at the main station, from left, Eric Gatchell, Glenn Yeager, Jason McKinnon, Ron Schneider, Chris Harris and Martin Grassl.

The Sandy Fire District announced award recipients during its annual banquet earlier this month. Fire department members who have shown exemplary character, work ethic and commitment to service were given awards and recognition.

The individuals listed below have demonstrated the ability to work under extreme pressure, and the desire to learn and teach, according to Alice Lasher, spokesperson for the department.

“It is individuals such as these,” she said, “who challenge us to meet them at the top.”

Probationary firefighter of the year is chosen by the training officer and the instructors who teach the class. The firefighter and officer of the year are chosen by the volunteer membership.

Top awards

Probationary firefighter of the year – Firefighter Chris Harris.

Harris responded to 326 alarms, staffed the station evenings and overnight duty shifts, obtained 302 training hours and managed to participate in the Portland Firefighter Stair Climb.

Firefighter of the year –Firefighter Glenn Yeager, second consecutive year.

Yeager responded to 672 alarms, staffed the station evenings and overnight duty shifts and attended 130 training hours. In addition to this tremendous response commitment to the fire district, Yeager also assists with many community education outreach activities. He has become a favorite fire station tour guide with children and demonstrates the level of commitment to service that provides a stellar example to others. Because of the combined response and outreach/education efforts that Yeager impressively carried out in 2009, he was also given one of the PRIDE awards (see below).

Officer of the year – Captain Martin Grassl, for the fourth consecutive year and six years total.

Grassl responded to 248 alarms, staffed duty officer evenings and overnight duty shifts and attended 115 training hours. Grassl also assists in the Firefighter Drivers Training Program, and is the recipient of this award an unprecedented four consecutive times. He is often chosen as a mentor by new members who see in him perfect professionalism behind a constantly smiling face and positive attitude. It is no wonder he is also the recipient of one of the PRIDE awards.

PRIDE awards

The quality of those who serve as members of the Sandy Fire District, Lasher said, is a matter of PRIDE.

Members of the Sandy Fire District also recognize individuals who most represent each of the values of the department: professionalism, responsibility, integrity, dedication and education.

These are the core values of the Sandy Fire District, Lasher said.

While nominating people who qualified to receive one of the core value awards was easy, she said, narrowing down the list of exceptional individuals was not.

This award was created to recognize firefighters who may or may not respond to the highest number of calls, but whose personality, demeanor and presence inspire others and represent the core values of the Sandy Fire District.

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