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Garland Firefighters commended for a job well done (03/06/10)

Firefighter of the year - Jonathan Almand, receives his award from Chief Danny Grammer

Garland Firefighters commended for a job well done

Linda Jaresh

March 6, 2010

In a ceremony filled with pomp, circumstance and a lot of good natured ribbing, Garland Firefighters were recognized for their commitment and exemplary service to the citizens of Garland.

Firefighter of the Year award was presented to Jonathan Almand, currently a Firefighter/Paramedic at Station 8.

Jonathan Almand began his career with the Garland Fire Department in November 2002.

His life ambition has been to become a firefighter. He completed EMT school while in High School, and then headed to paramedic school immediately after graduation. Since then he has been committed to his career and becoming a better professional.

Through his can do attitude, Almand has developed several programs that have been very helpful to the Department, including the Rope Rescue course. Recently GFD began teaching these valuable techniques to other local Fire Rescue Departments. He has produced PowerPoint study materials for the American Registry Exam, is a flight medic with CareFlite, and his peers credit him with being a diligent, loyal and driven individual.

Other 2009 Awards were:

Outstanding Volunteer – Linda Barnes

Outstanding Staff Member - Cindy Mahan

Outstanding Communication Officer – Kiki Weston

Outstanding paramedic – Lonnie Bolles

Outstanding Staff Officer – Mike VanBuskirk

Outstanding Operations Officer – Greg Huff

The Life Saving Award was presented to Firefighters who have been directly responsible for saving the lives of thirteen individuals. According to Fire Department officials the Garland Fire Department has a very high standard when presenting this award. To receive this award the patient is brought back from possible cardiac arrest or near death, makes it to the hospital and then leaves the hospital in good health. Firefighters receiving this award were:

Jonathan Almand Nathan Johnson

Kevin Arnold Mike Kasper

Dustin Barker Robert Kilmer

Johnny Bellows Tracy Kinnard

Matt Bennett Casey Lindsay

Tobey Bolt Phillip McDonald

Eric Brooks Mark McHone

Ivan Brooks Thomas Minter

Eric Brown Jacob Mount

Ronnie Butler Sam Mutrux

Dan Camevale Kevin Paige

Joe Clark John Perez

Michael Clark Craig Pruitt

Ken Craft Chad Purcell

Billy Craven David Richards

Duane Daniel Bud Sanford

Frank Durham Anthony Short

Welcome Edwards Andrew Sloan

James Fennell Joe Stickles

Greg Goff Corey Stone

John Gomez Nyal Stromberg

Thomas Grimes Joe Stuchly

Casey Grimes Scott Tettleton

David Hall Brian Ward

Bobby Hamill Jason Warren

Tommy Howard Robert Williams

Donald Isenberg Greg Wyrem

Jason Zito

GFD promotions for 2009 were:

Todd Peele – Battalion Chief

Jon Tomlinson – Captain

Paul Henley – Lieutenant

Michael Arriaga – Driver/Engineer

Jason Brooks – Driver/Engineer

Kenneth Crutchfield – Driver/Engineer

Casey Lindsay – Driver/Engineer

Craig Pruitt – Driver Engineer

Garrett Evans – EMS Coordinator

Congratulations to the Garland Fire Club for their continued support of the men and women of the Garland Fire Department. This group of volunteers is directly responsible for assisting firefighters during fires at any time of the day or night.

To enjoy photos from the Awards Banquet click on View Slide Show.

For information about the photos contact Linda Jaresh

lindajaresh@yahoo.com

Volunteer of the year - Linda Barnes - receives her award from Chief Coan.