(BLOOMINGTON) – The Bloomington Fire Department (BFD) today recognized 29 firefighters for exceptional service to the community in 2020 during a video presentation of the department’s annual awards ceremony.
The annual event marks the 121st anniversary of the BFD’s establishment as a professional fire department on February 17, 1900.
“Public safety is a fundamental responsibility of government, so I’m glad every day that the exceptional professionals at the Bloomington Fire Department have our back,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “Their 24/7 protection has resulted in four straight years without a fire fatality, ten saved lives, and a ranking that places them in the top two percent of all agencies nationwide. The pandemic has put these devoted public servants even more acutely to the test–while the nature of their work has placed the BFD at the top of the employee COVID case list, their expertise in emergency management has provided excellent guidance for the organization and the community. The men and women of the BFD have my deepest gratitude and respect,” Hamilton said.
“2020 is a year many of us will never forget,” said Bloomington Fire Chief Jason Moore. “The year has shown us some of the strongest and best examples of what it takes to be a community service provider. While this ceremony recognizes a few members of our department who went above and beyond, it does not mean that we forget the sacrifices that firefighters make every day.”
The presentation showcases BFD firefighters recognized for the following awards:
- Bernard Glover Firefighter of the Year
- Gabriel Morran
- Mark Webb Fire Officer of the Year
- Victor Vollrath III
- Robert “Bob” Loviscek Service Award
- Neville Vaughan
- Lifesaving Award – December 31, 2020 rescue of a woman from a house fire
- Gabriel Morran
- Jeremiah Tracey
- Jason Zeeks
- Skyler Pittman
- Company Citation – December 31, 2020 rescue of a woman from a house fire
- Ray Cazee
- Logan Deck
- Seth Staggs
- Kyle Mundy
- Jordan Reeves
- John Hayes
- Dane Young
- Ron Neibel
- Jim Johnson
- Kyle Koons
- Bart Epler
- Kenneth Hinkle
- Scott McKnight
- Roger Kerr II
- Veteran Service Award
- Jeff Pershing
- Jeff Kerr
- Stephen Coover
- Mark Hoard
- Fire Chief Recognition
- Tania Daffron
- Robert Loviscek
- Max Litwin
- Jayme Washel
