Jan Schultz | The Imperial Republican
Two generations of Imperial firefighters, possibly three, attended Friday’s dinner and awards program. Brad Wheeler, left, is the IVFD’s 1st Asst. Chief and his son, Scott, joined the department in 2022. Little Ada Jo Wheeler, born just last month, could likely be a future recruit.
Jan Schultz | The Imperial Republican
Earning some of the department’s top awards for 2022 were, from left, Kelsey Weiss, Officer of the Year; Aaron Greene, Firefighter of the Year; and Mike Rowley, Driver of the Year. Not pictured—Marissa Smith, Lineman of the Year.
Jan Schultz | The Imperial Republican
IVFD members who responded to the most fire calls in 2022 received Chamber Bucks in recognition. They include, from left, Mark Bomba, Doug Mitchell, Dustin Harris, Brad Dillan, Mike Rowley, Aaron Greene, Kelsey Weiss, Brad Wheeler, Wade Courter and Duane Todd. Not pictured—Sergio Almanza Jr.
Jan Schultz | The Imperial Republican
Honored for years of service were, from left, Greg Dannatt, 15 years; Daryl Sharp, 30; and Douglas Wright, 5. Not pictured—John Schilke.
Fire department logged over 1,800 hours in 2022
After a year that recorded 1,845 hours of service, the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department recognized its firefighters Friday at its annual dinner and program.
Close to 50 firefighters and guests attended the event at the IVFD hall.
Fire Chief Doug Mitchell noted, in 2022, the IVFD racked up its volunteer hours responding to 80 calls—60 in the rural parts of its district and 20 in the city.
One structure fire, which destroyed two trailers and a camper at Capitol Mobile Court, was recorded.
There were also 18 vehicle accidents, 15 mutual aid calls, along with grass and hay bale fires that comprised the year of service, Mitchell said.
It was an especially busy year for mutual aid calls, he noted.
Those 15 calls, which took the IVFD to other areas of the state, included several “strike team” requests, he said. Those are sought when large fires, usually grass, need the help of many departments.
Mitchell said the IVFD usually sends one truck with a small group of firefighters, who expect to be gone 48 hours. Sometimes, the mutual aid calls take them to other states.
That response wouldn’t be possible, or would turnout for its other calls, without the willingness of local employers who allow firefighter employees to leave.
“I thank all of our employers who let our members go,” he said.
Other thanks went out to the IVFD auxiliary, who do a lot behind the scenes, he said. He also thanked the county dispatchers, sheriff’s department, Imperial police, Emergency Manager Duane Dreiling and Imperial EMS.
Special guests at Friday’s dinner were rural board members Pete Dillan and Keith Wood, city council members John Miller and Jan Elliott and spouses/significant others of the IVFD members.
Also recognized were the IVFD’s newest members Scott Wheeler, Blaine Teeter and Chase Rowley.
After the program, the department’s annual awards were announced, as listed below.
Firefighter of Year—Aaron Greene
Officer of Year—Kelsey Weiss
Lineman of Year—Marissa Smith
Driver of Year—Mike Rowley
Top responders—Duane Todd (#1 overall), Wade Courter, Brad Wheeler, Mike Rowley, Dustin Harris, Sergio Almanza Jr., Doug Mitchell, Aaron Greene, Kelsey Weiss, Mark Bomba, Brad Dillan.
Francis Nichols Memorial Attendance Award (most meetings/practices attended)—Dustin Harris, Rick Elliott, Aaron Greene, Doug Mitchell, Tyler Oxford, Mike Rowley, Daryl Sharp, Duane Todd, Brad Wheeler
Francis Nichols Training Award (most hours in training)—Aaron Greene
Years of service—Daryl Sharp, 30; John Schilke and Greg Dannatt, 15; Douglas Wright, 5.