Plymouth Firefighters Recognized For Service

The Plymouth Fire Department recognized its 2011 individual and department achievements during its annual recognition event March 16 at the in Plymouth.

Michael Murphy, Paramedic and Operational Supervisor of North Memorial Transportation Services provided a keynote address on “Everyday Heroes.”

Plymouth Fire Chief Richard Kline thanked members of the department and their families for the difference that they make in the community. He also thanked the Mayor Kelli Slavik and the Plymouth City Council for their ongoing support and commitment to the Plymouth Fire Department. 

Chief Kline presented the Award of Excellence to Lieutenant Andy Etzel. Kline recognized Etzel for his willingness to serve on committees, special projects and additional work details.

“Etzel motivates others through his actions and positive attitude and is a valued mentor to other department personnel,” said Kline.  “He actively works on the solutions to problems and strives to find more efficient ways of providing fire and rescue service. Lieutenant Etzel exemplifies the standard of dedication and professionalism proudly held within the fire service.”

Scott Stevenson received the Station 1 Pride Award and was recognized for his commitment to excellence and actively demonstrating his pride and passion he has for delivering superior service to our community.

Station I firefighters were also recognized for their time commitment and high call response.  Firefighter Jeff McCurdy responded to 80% of Station I’s night calls, Firefighter Brent Weldon attended 42% of general alarm calls and Firefighter Ann Korsmo worked a total of 1,222 hours in 2011.

Michael Smith was awarded Station 2 Firefighter of the Year and received recognition for his continuing efforts to inspire and lead other to achieve their best. Smith has been involved in many department activities and leads others through his positive interactions.

Station 2 also recognized Fire Lieutenant Matt Anderson for his dedication to the department in his formal leadership position. Station 2 firefighters were also recognized for their time commitment and call response. Firefighter Rob Olson responded to 72 percent of Station II’s night calls. Firefighter Steve Marti attended 74 percent of general alarm calls and Firefighter Sergio Flores worked a total of 1,091 hours in 2011.

Fire Station 3 Most Valuable Firefighter went to Bill Tombers who was acknowledged for his 35-years of active community involvement as a firefighter. Bill continues to provide deciated service to the visitors and citizens of our community.

Station 3 firefighters were also recognized for their time commitment and call response. Firefighter Rodney Berg was distinguished for his 100 percent response to Fire Station III’s night calls. Firefighter Aaron Morris attended 48 percent of general alarm calls and Firefighter Kevin Werstein worked a total of 969 hours in 2011.

The Duty Crew Program Most Valuable Firefighters awards went to Jon Kauffmann and Brad Couser.

Firefighters Kauffmann and Couser were recognized for their significant contribution to the Duty Crew Program including responding back to the city during non-duty crew hours of operation. Both are positive influences on the program and to those who serve. Kauffmann attended 25 percent of general alarm calls and Brad worked a total of 924 hours in 2011.

The Public Education Award were given to Henry Ahrens and Ann Korsmo.

Firefighters Ahrens and Korsmo were honored for their contribution to the department’s public education program commendation award. Korsmo and Ahrens are credited with helping to develop and deliver many of the department’s programs flagship programs, like the bike helmet,  preschool and elementary school education, the Home Alone Course, Smokebusters,  Night to Unite, the Fire Department’s Open Houses, and the car seat check up programs.

Assistant Chief Rick Luth and Tombers were recognized for their 35 years of service on the Plymouth Fire Department.

(The preceding information was provided by a Plymouth Fire Department press release.)