Submitted by San Juan Island Fire and Rescue.
San Juan Island Fire & Rescue hosted its annual awards ceremony on Friday, April 11. The event celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of 2024 and a transformative year.
“The annual event is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our team,” said Fire Chief Noel Monin. “Our awards ceremony allows us an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our district staff and many volunteers who wish to protect our community.”
Awards and recognition
The ceremony began with the pinning of recruits who recently graduated from Fire Academy and completed all required training:
2024 Fire Academy graduates – Colby Border, Stephen Chadwick, Blaine Connelly, Mike Coryell, Max Field, Mason Smith, Drew Loura and Irene Voskamp.
Followed by the acknowledgment of volunteer Dominic Tarantelli for the successful completion of wildland fire training. All volunteers were encouraged to explore continued education and training. Volunteer Shane Merrit was welcomed back into the ranks as a returning volunteer.
Longevity awards were presented to Karen Gentry for five years of service, Kyle Dodd for 10 years of service and David Howitt for 20 years of service.
The following individuals received special awards:
2024 SJI Fire & Rescue Chief’s Award – Kyle Dodd was presented with the award for distinguished service.
2024 SJI Fire Fighter of the Year – Ben Duncan was presented with the award for unwavering commitment.
Ron G. Garner Wildland Fire Safety Award – Kathleen Salinas was presented with the award for her contributions to the FireWise and Wildfire Ready Neighbors Programs.
Certificate of Appreciation – Battalion Chief Michael Hartzell was recognized for exemplary performance and initiative as operations chief.
Certificate of Appreciation – Lieutenant John Salinas was recognized for his contributions to the Marine Response Program.
Certificate of Appreciation – Apparatus Operator Kati English was recognized for her contributions to the Community Risk Reduction Program.
Special Acknowledgement – Special guests Janet Pluntze and Jenna Dobbins, Payroll Solutions, Inc., received honorary recognition for professional services at District 3.
Honorable mention was received by Chief Jordan Pollock for his operations and planning efforts for the novel Fire Brigade Program. Launched in late 2024, the program focuses on improving operations, communication and special training for resident volunteers of outer islands for fire and rescue response.
In closing, Monin praised everyone in attendance, including the family members of volunteers. “We foster a culture of teamwork and camaraderie, focused on our communities’ needs. All of you, including family members, contribute to this organization. As we all celebrate these outstanding individuals, you are also celebrated. What we are doing is uniquely exceptional – our fire service family is a unit that rises to the occasion when our community is facing its worst days. It takes all of us to accomplish this.”
Special thanks
San Juan Island Fire & Rescue thanks all the parties that made this event possible, including Saltwater Farms, Vinny’s Ristorante, Rachel Otis, Orcas and Lopez fire districts, Joan Byrne and members of the Event Committee, and staff/volunteers.
More information from the department
Year In Review: 2024 statistics totaled 476 incidents. Notable events included nine structure fires, five vehicle fires, three wildland fires, one search and rescue, two extraditions, two water rescues, seven hazmat incidents, three “agency assists” and 218 “medical assists.”
San Juan Island Fire & Rescue was established in October 1958. Fire District #3 service area covers all of San Juan Island and various outer islands, including Brown, Henry, Johns, Pearl, Spieden and Stuart islands.
For more information, please visit http://www.sjifire.org/.
