Cypress Pointe Fire/Rescue gathered on December 6th for their annual Christmas Party and Awards Presentation, honoring the achievements of both current and retired members. The event welcomed a host of guests, including retired members, the Board of Directors, the Relief Fund Board, and special guests, along with the department's dedicated personnel.
Catered by Southernway Catering, the evening featured a delicious meal and a heartfelt celebration of service and training excellence. Several members were recognized for their exceptional achievements and contributions to the department, including the following:
Training Recognition Members who achieved additional certifications in 2024 were recognized for their continued commitment to professional development:
Rudy Allgood - Fire Officer I, Fire Instructor I, Aerials Travis Austin Jr. - Technical Rescue/Vehicle, Machinery & Ag Rescue Chris Churchborne - Fire Instructor I Bradley Dick - Fire Instructor II Holden Hall - Technical Rescue/Vehicle Peyton Jordan - Firefighter 1 & 2, Hazardous Material Joe Kennerly - Fire Instructor I & II, Fire Officer I Andreas Kokonios - Firefighter 1 & 2, Hazardous Material, Emergency Vehicle Driver, Rapid Intervention, Basic Wildland Fire Allison Krause - Firefighter 1 & 2, Emergency Medical Technician David McLean - Emergency Vehicle Driver William Miles - Technical Rescue/Wilderness Nate Pedersen - Technical Rescue/Vehicle, Wildland, Incident Command 300 & 400 Eli Roth - Firefighter 1 & 2, Hazardous Material, Technical Rescue/Vehicle, Emergency Vehicle Driver William Whitaker - Firefighter 1 & 2, Emergency Medical Technician
Service Recognition Service Pins were presented to new members and those marking significant milestones: New Members: Allison Krause, Brian Kreitz, Will Whitaker 5 Years of Service: Andrew Miller
Length of Service Awards The following members were honored for their exceptional years of service: 10 Years: Captain Stephen Russell and Driver/Operator Tim Dziok 15 Years: Firefighter William Britton 25 Years: Deputy Fire Chief Jonathan Richardson 30 Years: Captain Lindsay Wilson and Captain Gary Godfrey 35 Years: Captain Ken Holder 40 Years: Fire Chief Mike Cameron
A Unit Citation was presented for outstanding performance during a challenging rescue operation on April 29, 2024. Members were recognized for their exceptional teamwork in extricating victims from a T-bone collision at N.C. 24/27 and Bryant Road: Fire Chief Mike Cameron, Deputy Chief Jonathan Richardson, Assistant Chief Rusty Stewart, Captains Gary Godfrey & Stephen Russell, Firefighters Bradly Dick, Chris Gregory, Jerry Moore, Eli Roth, Chris Umland
Annual Awards 2024 Volunteer Firefighter of the Year: Eli Roth 2024 Employee of the Year: Bobby Doberstein 2024 Officer of the Year: Captain Gary Godfrey
In addition to the awards, every member received a personalized department bag for carrying their gear to and from the fire station.
The evening concluded with a Year in Review Video prepared by Jessica Roth, showcasing the department's collective efforts and accomplishments throughout the year.
It’s clear that Cypress Pointe Fire/Rescue had an event filled with recognition, camaraderie, and appreciation for the hard work and service of its members. The awards and recognitions reflect the high standards of excellence and dedication within the department. |