VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Fire Department celebrated the extraordinary contributions of Vancouver firefighters, city employees, public safety partners and community members at its annual awards ceremony, held in March.
Eighteen awards were presented for a variety of acts, such as a father and son who rescued a neighbor from an active apartment fire and the strategic response of Engine 8’s crew to save the life of a 14-month-old child in severe distress.
2024 awards and recipients included:
- Life-Saving Award – To community members or off-duty employees for assuming a level of involvement or risk that result in the preservation of human life. Presented to Josh Akers, Daniel Wornath and Michael Shoemaker III.
- Fire Medal – To community members or off-duty employees for extraordinary effort in saving a human life, reducing a serious injury or aiding in a significant reduction of property loss. Presented to Cole Rodriguez and Corey Rose of the Vancouver Police Department and Joe Thompson and Michael Shoemaker Jr.
- Individual commendation – To employees who make an exceptional contribution to the fire department, take on extra responsibilities or in other ways distinguish themselves. Presented to Dave Sturbelle and Nathan Hipple.
- Company commendation – awarded to units or companies that distinguish themselves in the performance of their duties or provide an exceptional contribution by displaying superior teamwork or a display of exceptional professional skill and conduct. Presented to Scott Edwards, Jake Conley, Ashley Ogdee and Mikel Featherston.
- Meritorious Service Award – awarded to employees who distinguish themselves by a display of remarkable action, conduct or achievement that reflects positively upon the department. Presented to Jake Conley.
- Citizen awards – awarded to community members or off-duty employees for Samaritan activities or efforts to protect life, property and the environment. Presented to Mike McCallen and Evan Liddle of the Nutter Corporation.
- Chief’s Achievement Award – awarded to employees whose contributions to the department significantly improve Vancouver Fire’s ability to provide service to the community. Presented to Shane Orem.
