The New Carlisle Rotary Club named four first responders as “Firefight/EMS Person of the Year” at an awards lunch held on Tuesday, May 24.
“The Rotary Club has a motto of ‘Service Above Self’ which we try to live up to in our individual actions” says Rotarian John E. Pickarski, Chairman of the Firefighter/EMS Project for the New Carlisle Rotary Club. “We are looking for the individual who best exemplifies what it means to be a Firefighter or EMS to their respective department and community.”
Pickarski tells those in attendance that “our first responders have no idea what they’re getting into on a call, they have no idea what’s on the other end. You and I see something bad, they’re running into it.”
Pickarski explains that award came from his feeling that “our first responders are under-recognized and under-appreciated.” He pitched the idea of the award to fellow Rotarians. The board voted unanimously in favor of the award.
“Our Fire and EMS are NOT recognized in western Clark County” according to Pickarski. “Springfield honors the Highway Patrol, the Sheriff’s Deputies and the Springfield Fire Department. We wanted to recognize the first responders that respond to our case, our situation, our emergencies.”
The “Firefight/EMS Person of the Year” will go to one member from each of the following departments: City of New Carlisle Fire Department, German Township Fire Department, Bethel Township Fire Department and Pike Township Fire Department.
The criteria for the award is as follows:
- Nominee must be an active member of one of the listed fire departments.
- The nominee must be submitted on an individual basis only.
- The nomination must be on official department or governmental entity letterhead and signed by at least two (2) officers of the department.
- Nominee must be an Ohio Certified EMT or above or a certified Firefighter.
- Nominee must have a minimum of five (5) years of active service to the Fire/EMS community.
- Only one nominee may be submitted from each of the listed Fire Departments each year.
- No one person shall be nominated from their department in successive years.
Larry R. Trusty
City of New Carlisle Fire Department
EMS Captain Diana Geiselman and Chief Steve Trusty nominated FF/EMT Larry R. Trusty. Chief explains that he stepped away from the voting process once his son’s name was mentioned.
“Firefighter/EMT Trusty has been with the Division for 5 years. He has been a firefighter for 9 years and an EMT for 3 years.
He demonstrates a high standard of work ethic; you can always find him doing something in the station when he is on duty.
He always has a sharp appearance with his uniform he upholds the high standards of the Fire Division.”
Richard Craig
German Township Fire Department
Chief Tim Holman and Lieutenant Jeff Emory nominated Richard Craig.
“Richard is highly dependable, efficient, and unfailingly punctual. In fact, I have never worked with a person who gives as he does. Also, his willingness to take on difficult projects like special trainings, computer software transition, and orientation of new employees is always done in a precise and effective manner. Richard always sees them through to a successful completion.
His skill as a paramedic and firefighter is second to none. He is eager to learn new and advanced techniques to optimize his abilities. He approaches his work with a cheerful and positive attitude and this attitude is projected to his patient care. I have seen him resolve conflicts and handle other difficult situations with remarkable patience and admirable tact. In the community, he goes out his way to help people in need by playing an important part in our Christmas Dinners to those in need project. Last year, over 1000 meals were delivered to people throughout Clark County with Richard’s help.
Richard works hard, and always tries to lift those around him.”
Wendall Slagell
Bethel Township Fire Department
Captains Felix Shanahan and Brian Ludwick nominated FF/EMT Wendall Slagell.
“He has been an active member on this department and our community for many years. He is professional, reliable and kind at all times. He is also a foster parent and active in his church. Wendall is an example of what to strive for all Firefighter/EMT's.”
Bruce Lehman
Pike Township Fire Department
Chief Jerry Donnelly and Assistant Chief David Richardson nomintaed Bruce Lehman.
“Bruce has been an active member of this department since May of 1963. During this time, he has held various officer positions during his career. Currently Bruce is serving as Treasurer of the Fire Association. He is an avid member of the Asbury Methodist church. He is retired from I H with 30 plus year of service. Bruce is one of our most active and dependable volunteers and has dedicated his life to th is department and to Pike Township.”
