Crime & Safety
Even While Celebrating Success, Firefighters' Duty Calls
East Pierce Fire and Rescue celebrated annual staff successes, even though the staff was called out to a fire.
The annual Recognition Banquet for East Pierce Fire and Rescue was held on Feb. 5. Ironically, the banquet was interrupted by a house fire. While the first responders rushed to extinguish the fire, their family and friends remained to honor the winners.
Awards are given based on votes from members of the department, which includes officers, firefighters, EMT's, paramedics and volunteers from all 12 fire stations in the coverage area. East Pierce Fire and Rescue serves over 85,000 residents in Bonney Lake, Sumner, Lake Tapps, the Ridge Communities, South Prairie, Wilkeson, Carbonado, Edgewood and Milton. The highly coveted Chief's Company Award is decided by the command staff.
Officer of the Year: Lt. Matt Jewitt
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Firefighter of the Year: Firefighter Tomas Sumbera
Emergency Medical Services Provider of the Year: Firefighter-Paramedic Jennifer Killion
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Volunteer Officer of the Year: Capt. Mark Nevill
Volunteer Responder of the Year: Firefighter JJ Walker
Mike Roberts Goodwill Award: Firefighter Mike Giefer (fourth Award)
Ken Thawsh Inspirational Award: Firefighter Sara Arneson
Chief’s Company: Justin Doyle, William Sandlian, Jennifer Killion, Andrew Hinson, Ken Bannink and Kyle Mosher
Annual Fitness Award: Firefighter Jason Russell (second award)
Administrative Support Staff of the Year Award: Mike Blaylock (second award)
Patch sends a hearty congrats to all of the award recipients this year and a special thank-you to all members of the department for the hard work they do to keep our community safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!