By DOUG BISHOP Staff Writer

Published: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 7:50 AM CST

STEVENSVILLE Though many were recognized at the 63rd annual birthday dinner and installation of officers, for the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department Saturday, Feb. 13, the message delivered by Fire Chief Paul Schlotterbeck was, "We're here to save lives."

That message was repeated in a variety of ways, as a review of service by the fire department for 2009 was presented.

Two special PowerPoint presentations were made during the program. The first showed pictures taken by veteran firefighter Will Clark of the many calls the members responded to in 2009, from the extrication of a girl from a car wrapped around a telephone pole and her successful resuscitation, not once, but four times on the way to the hospital to the rescue just a few weeks ago of two teenage girls who fell through the ice on a pond.  Tragedy was avoided on those occasions, because "people who are not paid as professionals, and we're not paid, people who love their community and the people who live here, care enough to respond and save lives," Schlotterbeck said.

In 2009, KIVFD responded to 1,166 total calls. Among those, 78 were fire or fire related, 714 were rescue and EMS, 216 "good intent" calls, 21 boat calls and 13 others.

KIVFD Ladies Auxiliary President Shirley Sperl recognized the work of the ladies in hosting a wide variety of activities for the community, particularly in fundraising for the fire department through Sunday bingo held at fire house.

She acknowledged the loss of lifetime member Leona Smith, who died in April at the age of 84.

She also recognized three ladies with service recognitions: Frances Anthony and Courtney Taylor received 10-year awards, and Juanita German received a 20-year award and a lifetime membership.

Sperl concluded by presenting fire department President Jody Schulz with a check for $12,000 from the Ladies Auxilliary.

EMS Assistant Chief Jeff Reiss recognized the top responders from the emergency medical services division of the fire department.

Provider of the Year went to Mike Wannamacher, who has been a member for just three years.

The Unsung Hero Award went to Matt Gellert.

The Jim Beavers Award was presented to Steve Andrews, and EMS Chief's Award went to Tom Balderson.

A special recognition was presented to Colleen Thomas for the billing service she provided.

Schlotterbeck and Schulz joined forces to recognize the top firefighters for 2009.

The Chief's Award went to EMS Assistant Chief Jeff Reiss.

The Duke Moore Memorial Firefighter of the Year Award was presented not to one firefighter this past year, but to four, for their acts of heroism saving lives. Receiving the award were Matt Gellert, Jeff Reiss, Jody Schulz and Buddy Thomas.

The "Most Calls" recognition went, again, to David "Pops" Gellert Sr., who responded to 666 calls in 2009. He was the top responder as a firefighter with more than five years experience. The top responder with less than five years experience was Mike Wannamacher, who went out on 457 calls.

Among the top five firefighter responders: Steve Andrews was third with 428 calls; Paul Schlotterbeck was fourth, 420 calls; and Tracy Schulz was fifth, 405 calls.

Both Jeff Clark and Annie Gardner were recognized for 20 years of service and awarded lifetime membership cards and pins. Jeff Cresanto was recognized for 25 years of service and Buddy Thomas for 35 years.

Gardner, KIVFD secretary, received the 2009 President's Award from Jody Schulz.

Before the program ended, Grasonville Volunteer Fire Chief Jason Anthony, and GVFD Assistant Chief Steve McCombs presented certificates of appreciation to some 15 members of KIVFD for service they rendered in responding to an accident in early January this year that totaled Grasonville's Engine 26. Four GVFD firefighters were injured, including McCombs. McCombs personally thanked everyone from KIVFD who came to their aid, calling them "brothers."

A check for $11,000 was presented to the fire department by Kent Island American Legion Post Commander Nikki Randolph. County Commissioner Carol Fordonski, and State Delegate Dick Sossi were present, and both presented checks to the fire department.

Schulz made special recognition of Jim Turlington, who has provided a boat slip for the the department's fire boat at Queens Landing Marina for free for more than 20 years. Turlington, who has begun selling the $50,000 boat slips, presented the deed to the slip used by the fire department to Schulz, making it KIVFD's permanent property.

The second video presentation was a personal one, created last summer by local recording artists, Beyond The Veil. The three sisters, Brittany, Miriah and Sierra, and their parents were at the banquet. They had worked with the fire department during the annual Fireman's Carnival, providing a free concert one evening, and then, a week later, a benefit concert for the fire department at the Kent Island High School auditorium.

Schulz recognized the sisters for their service in raising funds for the fire department and presented them with a plaque.

Bill Hildebrand, member of the Maryland State Fireman's Association, administered the oath to the new officers, and to all the members of KIVFD for the coming year to conclude the formal program.

Dinner was provided by the KI American Legion, which hosted the banquet. Music was provided by DJ Al Wysong.


Reprinted from the The Bay Times website    kibaytimes.com/

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