San Juan Island Fire Department recognizes 2016 firefighters

February 1, 2017 10:07 am
Contributed photo/Terry Sanders From left to right, Joan Byrne, Harry See, Mark Wagner, Erin Graham, Kyle Dodd, Ron Garner, Diane Ludeman and John McDowell
Contributed photo/Terry Sanders From left to right, Joan Byrne, Harry See, Mark Wagner, Erin Graham, Kyle Dodd, Ron Garner, Diane Ludeman and John McDowell

Submitted by the San Juan Island Fire Department

Firefighter Mark Wagner and Lieutenant Erin Graham received San Juan Island Fire Department’s highest awards Jan. 28 when the department celebrated the 2016 contributions of its members. The firefighters and support members were honored for their dedicated service at the annual awards banquet, which was held at Downriggers restaurant. The annual event is presented by the department and the San Juan Island Firefighters Association (which is supported by the Friday Harbor Firefighters Thrift House).

The following firefighters, see right, were honored with special awards:

• Firefighter of the Year: Mark Wagner

• Officer of the Year: Erin Graham

• Rookie of the Year: Kyle Dodd

• Driver/Operator of the Year: Harry See

• Support Volunteer of the Year: Diane Ludeman

• Ron G. Garner Wildland Safety Award: Rex Stickle

John McDowell, Joan Byrne and Ron Garner also received awards for going above and beyond the call of duty.

In other acknowledgments, Ron Garner was recognized for 20 years of service. Joan Byrne, Mark Tompkins and Dan Tracy were recognized for 15 years of service. Ken Clark and Connie Odegard were recognized for 10 years of service. Kurt Long, Peggy Long and Mark Wagner were recognized for five years of service. The fire department thanks Chief Scott Williams and Orcas Island Fire and Rescue for providing an officer and a crew of firefighters to cover an initial response in case of a call during our banquet.

San Juan County Fire District No. 3 was organized as a fire district on Oct. 6, 1958. The fire district covers 55 square miles, which includes all of San Juan Island, as well as Brown and Pearl islands. The department welcomes men and women ages 17 years and above to stop by the Mullis Street fire station and consider becoming a firefighter or a support member. For info, go to www.sjifire.org, or our Facebook page, San Juan Island Fire & Rescue, or call 378-5334.