Each year Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue takes time to honor its own employees for outstanding work in the fire service. Employees nominate the person they feel is deserving of each title. The 2017 Annual Awards were presented earlier this week and the department is pleased to announce the recipients along with a few of the kind words that were shared about them by their coworkers.
Staff Employee of the Year Award
Awarded to the employee for his/her countless hours of outstanding work, dedication and professionalism. His/her many contributions have improved processes and programs for the Fire District.
Robert Morley, IT Manager
“Bob is highly competent, kind, and his solutions to IT problems are focused on the internal customer.”
“We may take it for granted how well our technology works in our organization but we would not be anywhere near as successful as we are if it weren’t for the work of Mr. Morley.”
“Bob understands the “fire service” and our need to provide the service to our citizens at ALL times.”
Volunteer Member of the Year Award
Awarded to a member of the District who demonstrates exceptional performance and dedication to the District and the community. The Volunteer of the Year has exercised a significant time commitment to the District and community through participating in District activities and emergency support responses.
Carlos Suazo, Volunteer Captain
“A goal he has set, and met, since taking on the recruiting is to ensure any prospective candidate will be contacted within 24 hours of their submitting an interest form.”
“Carlos developed the CKFR Volunteer orientation program to provide the initial training to new volunteers on expectations, roles and responsibilities.”
“He fights for these individuals and for our volunteer program every day and is not afraid to tackle uncomfortable issues.”
Career Firefighter of the Year Award
Awarded to a member of the District (Chief, Officer, Apparatus Operator, Firefighter or Paramedic) who exemplifies and demonstrates exceptional performance and leadership and is a model and example to other members of the District. The Firefighter of the Year has exercised continuous professionalism and dedication to both their fellow employees and the community.
Sascha Ebert, Apparatus Operator
“He is committed daily to becoming better at his job and is eager to train and teach others.”
“Never asking someone to do something that he would not do himself.”
“Always looking out for the good of the district, its citizens and individual employees.”
“Sascha has been an influential person to my career development.”
Fire Chief’s Leadership Award
This award is bestowed upon a Department member who exemplifies and demonstrates leadership that serves the model and example for others through program direction, program success, and program recognition.
The Fire Chief determined that this award goes to all of our members that were here during 2017.
One example from the nominations: “I know that this is a bit sentimental, but this award should go to our whole organization. From top to bottom, we have all been working hard to make Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue work. I’m a shift rover and I see nothing but positive attitudes overwhelmingly shine through the Department. I think this would be a good time to stop, smile, take a deep breath and look forward to the great future that lies ahead of us.”
Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Presents Annual Awards
/in News Release, UncategorizedEach year Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue takes time to honor its own employees for outstanding work in the fire service. Employees nominate the person they feel is deserving of each title. The 2017 Annual Awards were presented earlier this week and the department is pleased to announce the recipients along with a few of the kind words that were shared about them by their coworkers.
Staff Employee of the Year Award
Awarded to the employee for his/her countless hours of outstanding work, dedication and professionalism. His/her many contributions have improved processes and programs for the Fire District.
Robert Morley, IT Manager
“Bob is highly competent, kind, and his solutions to IT problems are focused on the internal customer.”
“We may take it for granted how well our technology works in our organization but we would not be anywhere near as successful as we are if it weren’t for the work of Mr. Morley.”
“Bob understands the “fire service” and our need to provide the service to our citizens at ALL times.”
Volunteer Member of the Year Award
Awarded to a member of the District who demonstrates exceptional performance and dedication to the District and the community. The Volunteer of the Year has exercised a significant time commitment to the District and community through participating in District activities and emergency support responses.
Carlos Suazo, Volunteer Captain
“A goal he has set, and met, since taking on the recruiting is to ensure any prospective candidate will be contacted within 24 hours of their submitting an interest form.”
“Carlos developed the CKFR Volunteer orientation program to provide the initial training to new volunteers on expectations, roles and responsibilities.”
“He fights for these individuals and for our volunteer program every day and is not afraid to tackle uncomfortable issues.”
Career Firefighter of the Year Award
Awarded to a member of the District (Chief, Officer, Apparatus Operator, Firefighter or Paramedic) who exemplifies and demonstrates exceptional performance and leadership and is a model and example to other members of the District. The Firefighter of the Year has exercised continuous professionalism and dedication to both their fellow employees and the community.
Sascha Ebert, Apparatus Operator
“He is committed daily to becoming better at his job and is eager to train and teach others.”
“Never asking someone to do something that he would not do himself.”
“Always looking out for the good of the district, its citizens and individual employees.”
“Sascha has been an influential person to my career development.”
Fire Chief’s Leadership Award
This award is bestowed upon a Department member who exemplifies and demonstrates leadership that serves the model and example for others through program direction, program success, and program recognition.
The Fire Chief determined that this award goes to all of our members that were here during 2017.
One example from the nominations: “I know that this is a bit sentimental, but this award should go to our whole organization. From top to bottom, we have all been working hard to make Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue work. I’m a shift rover and I see nothing but positive attitudes overwhelmingly shine through the Department. I think this would be a good time to stop, smile, take a deep breath and look forward to the great future that lies ahead of us.”
CPR Save Recognition
/in News ReleaseCentral Kitsap Fire and Rescue crews recently had the pleasure of meeting one of their patients.
On November 10, 2017, Jennifer Gutierrez suffered a cardiac event and became unconscious while at home with her three younger daughters. Her then 12 year old daughter (now 13), Elyza, called 911 and started telephonic CPR as instructed by the 911 dispatcher.
CKFR crews arrived and took over, transporting her to Harrison Hospital in Bremerton.
Jennifer, Elyza, and the rest of their family, along with many friends, stopped by CKFR Station 51 on March 27th to meet the crew members that played such an important role that day.
Fire Chief Scott Weninger presented Elyza with a certificate for her lifesaving actions and praised her for taking action.
* We’d like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to learn CPR. CKFR offers free CPR classes every third Thursday of the month. Call 360-447-3550 to schedule. *
Special Donation – Pet Oxygen Masks
/in News ReleaseCentral Kitsap Fire and Rescue received a special donation that will help firefighters continue to take care of your four legged family members in the event of a fire.
A big thank you to Invisible Fence Brand, Peninsulas for donating 30 pet oxygen masks to our department!
In September 2017, CKFR crews rescued three animals from a structure fire at a local apartment building. A dog, a kitten, and a snake were all removed by firefighters and the kitten, named Velcro, was placed on oxygen using a mask specifically designed for pets.
We have those masks on our rigs thanks to the generosity of Invisible Fence Brand Peninsulas. They were generous enough to make another donation so that we may continue to care for Central Kitsap pets.
This donation is just a small part of Invisible Fence® Brand’s Project Breathe™ program, which was established with the goal of equipping every fire station in America and Canada with pet oxygen masks. These masks allow firefighters to give oxygen to pets who are suffering from smoke inhalation when they are rescued from fires and often save pets’ lives.
Daughter Comes Home to Fire
/in News ReleaseAt approximately 2:40 pm on January 23, 2018, Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue received a call of a residential structure fire in the 8500 block of State Highway 303, Bremerton.
Upon arrival, smoke could be seen coming from the single family structure. Firefighters made entry and were able to quickly extinguish the fire. The daughter stated that when she came home from school she saw smoke in the area of the front door. She ran down the street to her uncle’s house. He attempted to put out the fire with an extinguisher, wasn’t able to do so, and called 911.
The origin of the fire is believed to be the pellet stove. The County Fire Marshal has been called to investigate. Bremerton Fire crews were also on scene providing mutual aid.
The fire was contained to one room, but there is smoke and water damage throughout. There were no injuries.
* Even if you believe you’re able to put out a fire with an extinguisher – always call, or have someone call, 911 immediately so that crews can start a response.
Smoke Alarm and Family Dog Alert Teen To Fire
/in News ReleaseAt approximately 4:07 pm on January 22, 2018, Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue received a call in reference to a residential structure fire in the 600 block of NW Wrangler Court in Bremerton.
Upon arrival crews were met with heavy smoke and flames coming from the garage area and above. All occupants were out of the structure. The call was immediately upgraded to a 2nd alarm and units from Navy Region Northwest and Bremerton Fire responded.
Ninety minutes after the initial call, crews were able to start the overhaul process. Firefighters used the winch on Rescue 51 to remove a boat from the garage to gain better access to hot spots.
PSE secured power to the house and the County Fire Marshal responded to investigate the cause. CKFR’s Rehab Unit set up on scene to monitor crews vitals and keep them hydrated, and Red Cross was contacted to assist the family of five.
The 17 year old son had been home alone when he heard a noise. He initially thought it was the construction going on one street over until the family’s dog started barking and he heard the smoke alarm. He went downstairs, saw the smoke, evacuated and called 911.
More information will be released after the County Fire Marshal concludes his investigation.
* Smoke alarms save lives. They should be installed on every level and in each sleeping area. Test monthly and replace the batteries twice a year unless you have an alarm with a 10 year lithium battery.
The Scary Adventure of Sage the Great Pyrenees
/in News ReleaseSage, the Great Pyrenees, had been missing for hours when her owner found her last night, December 19th, over a cliff in the back of the family’s home. Sage’s human, Leilani Greig, has some climbing experience and jumped into action … going over the cliff using a small utility line to rescue her beloved dog. She reached Sage and kept her from falling the rest of the way down to rocky shore of Hood Canal, but unfortunately Leilani and Sage could not go up or down and were precariously stuck almost 200 feet above the shore.
Meanwhile … back at the fire stations of Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue, a call comes out for a person who had fallen over a cliff in the 10000 Block of Warren Ave. NW, Silverdale. Crews jumped into action and arrived to find Leilani and Sage suspended halfway down.
Firefighters quickly rigged lowering and raising rope rescue systems to access the stranded pair and bring them back up to safety. Not all went smoothly however as halfway up the cliff Sage the Great Pyrenees had second thoughts and started to struggle. CKFR Firefighter Marcus Oliver further secured Sage in her harness and the rescue was completed successfully.
Leilani and one very tired Sage are resting comfortably and are eternally grateful for the men and women of the fire service. No word yet on what exactly Sage had been up to when she found herself in trouble… and we may never know.
Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue completed the rescue using 16 firefighters, including assistance from Navy Federal Fire.
Water Rescue from Hood Canal
/in News ReleaseAt 1:33 pm this afternoon, Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue were alerted to a Coast Guard report of an emergency beacon one mile west of Scenic Beach State Park.
Multiple units from CKFR responded with crews from Station 56, located on Seabeck Highway, arriving first.
Firefighters and the Battalion Chief located the kayaker one mile from shore, drooped over the bow of his kayak. Crews were able to secure a private vessel to assist with the rescue and CKFR’s Boat 51 arrived and staged at the boat launch as a backup vessel.
Working with the Coast Guard helicopter, one male patient was rescued and transported by boat back to the Misery Point boat launch where he was evaluated for minor injuries and released.
Factors contributing to this successful rescue:
Home Loses Second Floor
/in News ReleaseOn Sunday, April 16, 2017, at 6:35 pm, Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue crews responded to a residential structure fire in the 5700 block of Eldorado Place NW, Bremerton.
Upon arrival at the single family home, crews observed heavy smoke and flames coming from the second floor at the back of the residence. The fire was immediately upgraded to a second alarm. The fire was knocked down in approximately 13 minutes and firefighters began extensive overhaul and salvage operations. They were able to save many valuable items, including photographs, from the home.
There were two people home at the time. Both were downstairs and one of them could smell something burning. Fire was discovered in a bedroom upstairs. The smoke alarms in the home had been disconnected. The home suffered heavy damage to the second floor and some light water damage to the first floor.
There were no injuries. Red Cross was called to assist the family and the County Fire Marshal is investigating the cause.
Crews from Navy Federal Fire, Bremerton Fire Department, and South Kitsap Fire and Rescue also responded.
WORKING SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES. Have working smoke alarms in your home and a home fire escape plan. Test alarms monthly and replace your batteries twice a year if you don’t have units with a ten year lithium battery.
New Fire Commissioner Selected
/in News ReleaseCentral Kitsap Fire and Rescue is pleased to introduce Dr. Guy Earle as our newest Fire Commissioner. Dr. Earle was selected last night after an interview process conducted by the Board of Fire Commissioners for CKFR.
Dr. Earle recently retired after more than 40 years as a medical doctor, most of his career here in the Central Kitsap area. In addition to his extensive medical knowledge, his background includes experience working with fire districts throughout Kitsap, Mason, and Jefferson Counties.
“I look forward to working with Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue,” he said as he was sworn into the position earlier today. “It’s been a few years since I’ve partnered with the fire service and I look forward to this new opportunity.”
Dr. Earle’s first meeting as Commissioner will take place on April 10th.
Barn Fire Under Investigation
/in News ReleaseOn Thursday, March 16, 2017, at 9:26 am, Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue received a call in reference to a structure fire located in the 19000 block of NW Hite Center Road, Bremerton.
Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke and flames coming from a barn. The structure was 50% involved. It took crews approximately 10 minutes to get the fire under control.
There were no injuries to humans or animals.
The fire is now under investigation by the Kitsap County Fire Marshal’s Office.