Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue personnel, family members, and community partners gathered Saturday, May 30, for the 2015 TVF&R Meritorious Awards and Recognition Ceremony in the Edo Building at the Nike World Headquarters campus near Beaverton.
Each year, Fire Chief Michael Duyck honors citizens and Fire District employees who exemplify selflessness, stewardship, and commitment to serving their community.
During Saturday morning’s celebration, Chief Duyck shared stories about harrowing rescues performed during a residential fire, a difficult extrication incident, a dangerous rescue of a citizen trapped in a trench, and other emergencies, where men and women put their own lives in peril to save others.
He also recognized community service, academic excellence, time in service, retirements, distinguished conduct, and notable endeavors by Landmark Ford in Tigard to support the District’s ongoing efforts to create safer communities.
Below is a list of honorees and award descriptions.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Lieutenant Ronald Baker
For the outstanding achievement of earning a Bachelor of Science degree while working for the District.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Captain Daryl Rozendal
For the outstanding achievement of earning a Master of Science degree while working for the District.
SPECIAL UNIT CITATION
Lieutenant Robert Sutton
Lieutenant Stephen Todd Lake
Apparatus Operator Bradley Bender
Apparatus Operator David Schurter
Firefighter Casey Savage
Firefighter Justin Tishendorf
Firefighter Dan Livengood
Firefighter Todd Bradley
For their extraordinary actions that saved several lives during the Southwest 139th Avenue residential fire in Beaverton in September 2014.
SPECIAL UNIT CITATION
Battalion Chief Greg Ladrow
Captain James Smario
Captain Mike Towner
Lieutenant Nathan Schuster
Apparatus Operator Brian Classen
Apparatus Operator Geoff Goodman
Apparatus Operator Ryan Niemeyer
Firefighter Georg Adolf
Firefighter Geoff Conroy
Firefighter Michael Doty
Firefighter Daniel Hastie
Firefighter Jeff Marcus
Firefighter Marissa Martinis
Firefighter Justin Speasl
Firefighter James Straight
Trevor Liston, RN
Mike Alleyn, Medic
Dr. Ameen I. Ramzy
For their extraordinary actions and care demonstrated during a difficult extrication incident in Clackamas County in June 2014.
DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT
Captain Matthew Laas
Lieutenant Gary Satterfield
Apparatus Operator Zachary Williams
For their extraordinary performance and integral role in the rescue of a citizen trapped in a trench in March 2014.
MEDAL OF VALOR
Apparatus Operator Chad Eason
Apparatus Operator Ronald Morgan
Firefighter Peter Lehmann
Firefighter Kyle Leonard
Firefighter Donovan Rodriguez
Firefighter Miles Ulven
For demonstrating a courageous and selfless technical rescue of a citizen in March 2014 under particularly dangerous circumstances.
SAFER COMMUNITIES AWARD
Landmark Ford
For supporting TVF&R’s efforts in community safety and public education.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Robert Scott Brawner
For providing a quick response and lifesaving CPR while off duty in May 2014.
OREGON FIRE INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR
Milton H. Villegas
TVF&R AWARD CRITERIA:
Academic Excellence
The Academic Excellence Award may be awarded to any member who has graduated from a four-year accredited college or university, or demonstrated academic excellence while a member of the District.
Special Unit Citation
The Special Unit Citation may be awarded to any organization, unit, or specially constituted team within the District, which has worked together toward a common goal. The Citation may be awarded for a specific performance of exceptional quality or for continued, professional performance, and dedication to duty by the organization, unit, or team, as a whole.
Distinguished Conduct
The Distinguished Service Award may be awarded to any member of the District who has acted with professionalism and efficiency when faced with a specific danger and/or adversity, and who has made a substantial contribution to EMS, the fire service, or the community in the carrying out of his or her duties properly despite this danger and/or adversity. The action for which this award is given should be considered exceptional by his or her peers.
Medal of Valor
The Medal of Valor may be awarded to a member of the District who, in the line of duty, or while off-duty, distinguishes him/herself in the performance of an act of courage involving risk of imminent serious physical injury, with knowledge of such risk, for the purpose of saving or protecting human life. Or, in the course of an extended investigation of a nature where he or she is continuously and singly exposed to grave personal hazard, willingly accepts such risk in the service of the District.