2024 Christmas Party and Awards Presentation
 
By Department Chief Mike Cameron
December 6, 2024
 

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.