South Whidbey Fire/EMS honored volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and their families at its annual awards dinner on March 14 at Useless Bay Golf and Country Club.
Sean McDougald was presented with six awards. Among the accolades were firefighter of the year, EMT of the year, most inspirational, marine rescue responder of the year, the paramedic choice award, and Station #36 (Bayview) firefighter of the year.
McDougald joined the department in 2013 and is both a volunteer firefighter and EMT at the Bayview station. Each presenter expressed their respect and described how they drew inspiration from his dedicated service to the community.
The Carl Simmons Officers Choice Award was presented to Robert Frey by Commissioner Kenon Simmons, whose father volunteered with the department for 50 years and had the honor named after him.
“When someone calls 911, you are the miracle in that person’s life,” Simmons said. “What you do matters. I thank you for your commitment. I am honored to present this year’s award to an individual who embodies the same spirit that my father had for this department.”
The award for fire prevention/public education went to Robert Husom.
Ken Starkweather was presented the Star of Life Award. Special recognition was given to longtime members of the department, Gary Gabelein, who retired in January after 43 years of service, and Jeff Parker who is leaving after 26 years.
It was noted that EMT Division Chief Connie Shields will be formally recognized for her upcoming retirement from the department this spring.
Individual station firefighters of the year were: Jon Gabelein, Freeland Station #31; Brent Davison, Clinton Station #32; Anne Collins, Maxwelton Station #33; Jeff Parker, Langley Station #34; Marc Swenson, Saratoga Station #35; and McDougald.
Clinton was the first station to ever achieve the “triple crown” of training competitions by placing first in the poker run, water ball and hose evaluation. Jerry Beck, the station’s captain, thanked everyone who offered support and helped them to earn this unprecedented honor.
Certificates for years of service were presented to Eldon Baker and Robert Elliot for 20 years; Don Mason, Jon Gabelein, Bill Frederick, Melissa Simmons and Ken Starkweather for 15 years; and Robert Husom, Heidi Beck, Alex McMahon, and H.L. “Rusty” Palmer each for five years.
One highlight of the evening was guest speaker Langley Mayor Fred McCarthy, who gave a dramatic account from his military service with the 121st Assault Helicopter Company during the Vietnam war. During that time he went on regular missions attempting to rescue a special forces Green Beret prisoner of war named James “Nikki” Rowe, who later wrote the book “Five Years to Freedom.” His helicopter crashed, but the crew was rescued by an accompanying chopper.
“To me, you are the people in that Dustoff helicopter. You are the people in the medic unit. You are the people on the fire truck. You are the people who evoke the same feeling of ‘Thank God, someone is coming to help me and get me out of here,’” he said. “We are all separated by a few degrees of separation. You should be very proud of the service you provide to your community.”
South Whidbey Fire/EMS has provided fire suppression, emergency medical service, marine, and rope rescue to residents and visitors since 1950. Volunteers responded to over 2,200 calls in 2014, setting another record year for emergency service.
