Members of the Columbus Division of Fire were honored for their dedication and service at the 36th Annual Columbus Division of Fire Awards Banquet on Feb. 13. The Villa Milano Banquet & Event Center played host to this prestigious event, highlighting the courageous acts and unwavering commitment of the city's firefighters and supporting teams. According to a social media post from the Columbus Division of Fire, many were recognized across a spectrum of categories for their exceptional contributions to public safety.
The Bronze Maltese was presented to Firefighters Brendan Bobo and Wesley Chapman, signifying their bravery. A host of other awards were distributed, including the Distinguished Service Award and the Award of Excellence, highlighting the outstanding capabilities of those within the Columbus Division. Lt. Kyle Haertling and Firefighters such as Cody Jenkins, Taylor Fogle, and Drake Doersam were among those celebrated for distinguished service, demonstrating the breadth of heroism within the ranks. Civilians, too, were not overlooked, with Kelly Siemer securing the Civilian of the Year distinction for contributions to the safety and well-being of the community.
The banquet also honored those who have demonstrated a superior commitment to emergency medical services and hazardous materials management. Lt. Andrew Farrand, along with Firefighters Philip Nelsen and Cole Moor,e received the EMS Award of Merit. In recognition of the exceptional teamwork in times of crisis, the Fire Chief's Award was bestowed upon HazMat 4, a team led by Acting Deputy Chief Jeff Dhume and Battalion Chief Bryan Bishop. These awards serve as a testament to the specialized skills and critical roles played by various units within the division.
The Franklin Township Fire Department's Captain Chris Helser and his team were recipients of the Public Safety Award of Excellence, marking a significant acknowledgement of the interdepartmental collaboration crucial for the safety of the broader Columbus area. The Brett Barber County Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Firefighter/Paramedic John Shearer from the Westerville Division of Fire. Evidently, the acknowledgments were not confined to the locality of Columbus, they spilled over into surrounding jurisdictions, underscoring the interconnectedness of these services.
