Buckeye Fire-Medical Rescue Department
The following was provided by the Buckeye Fire-Medical Rescue Department:
During the recent Buckeye Fire-Medical Rescue Department Annual Awards Ceremony, the following commendations were presented:
Health & Wellness Award: Ely Rivera
What the department said…
“Health and wellness are foundational to the fire service. Our ability to serve the community depends on our physical and mental readiness.
The Health & Wellness Award recognizes a member who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to fitness, resilience, and supporting the well-being of others.
This year’s recipient is Ely Rivera.
Ely is known for constantly pushing himself and setting new goals to achieve and maintain excellent health and fitness. Beyond his own commitment, Ely also demonstrated extraordinary dedication to supporting others when he volunteered for a six-day deployment to Timber Mesa, where he provided peer support services to fellow firefighters.
His actions reflect the spirit of what this award represents — taking care of ourselves and taking care of each other.”
About the Award…
This award serves to recognize department members who have contributed positively to the department's overall health and wellness culture.
- Given to a person who continually places health and wellness as a top personal and department priority
- Examples include but are not limited to a member who experiences a significant (positive) change in body composition, a member who consistently prioritizes health and wellness, or a member who is regularly involved in wellness activities both on and off duty.
Support Staff of the Year: Matt Roque
What the department said…
“Our next award recognizes an individual whose work often happens behind the scenes but is absolutely critical to the success of this organization.
The Support Staff of the Year Award recognizes a member who consistently demonstrates professionalism, teamwork, and dedication to the department’s mission.
Matt is known throughout the organization for always being willing to help — no matter the problem, the time, or the circumstance. He consistently demonstrates the ability to collaborate with others and keeps the department’s mission, vision, and values at the center of his work.
Matt sets the standard in the Administration Office through his reliability, positive attitude, and commitment to public service. His willingness to devote extra time and energy to ensure departmental goals are met makes him a role model for others across the organization.
About this award:
This award is given annually to a member of the fire department support staff that work 40 hours per week and are not assigned to field operations for dedicated service and professionalism embodying the duties of a public servant for the department. This award shall only be given to non- probationary employees.
- Demonstrated capability to work and lead
- Working well with others to focus on the mission, vision and values of the department.
- Willingness to devote extra hours to assure the department reaches goals
- A role model to other members in the Administration Office
Civilian of the Year: Nettie Thorpe
What the department said…
“Our next award recognizes someone who may not wear a uniform but plays an essential role in keeping the department functioning.
“The Civilian of the Year Award recognizes a non-uniformed member who consistently delivers exceptional service and supports the mission of the department.
“This year’s recipient is Nettie Thorpe.
“Nettie is known across the department for her positive attitude, her willingness to help, and her incredible reliability. If someone has a question, Nettie will either have the answer or find it.
“She supports our members every day — often in ways that many people never see. Her work helps ensure that the department operates smoothly and that our members have what they need to succeed.
“And as many of us know — Nettie is also the reason we get paid.
“Her dedication, patience, and commitment to helping others make her an invaluable part of this organization.
About the Award…
This award is given annually to a non-uniformed member in recognition of providing quality customer service and regular contributions to the advancement of the department's mission statement.
Over the last 12 months, a non-uniformed, civilian member should have shown themselves to be an indispensable member of the department's team. The award will consist of a plaque and individual certification describing the spirit of the nomination.
Company of the Year: Engine Company 702B
What the department said…
“The fire service is built on teamwork. No single person accomplishes anything alone.
“The Company of the Year Award recognizes a crew that demonstrates exceptional teamwork, professionalism, and performance both on emergency incidents and in their daily service to the community.
“This year’s Company of the Year is Engine 702B — Captain Williams, Engineer Yohn, Firefighter Ott, and Firefighter Rigby.
“This crew distinguished themselves during a trailer fire in Buena Vista on April 1st. During the incident, members of E702B stretched a hose line, forced entry into the structure, and located a victim within two minutes.
“The crew quickly removed the victim from the structure, where the patient was transferred to EMS with a pulse and shallow breathing. After the rescue, the crew immediately returned to conduct a primary search after receiving reports that a child might still be inside.
“Fortunately, no additional victims were located and the fire was contained to the room of origin.
“This incident demonstrated exceptional teamwork, professionalism, and decisive action under pressure. Beyond this incident, the crew consistently demonstrates outstanding work ethic and customer service every day.”
About this Award…
This award is given annually to a fire company for dedicated service and professionalism or emergency and nonemergency acts.
- Given to a unit (Station / Platoon) for generalized annual performance under unusual circumstances or difficulties, or;
- A unit (Station / Platoon) who demonstrates dedicated service and performance contributing to the overall benefit of the department and the citizens of Buckeye.
Paramedic of the Year: Chrissy Yates
What the department said…
“Emergency medical services are a core part of what we do every day.
"The Paramedic of the Year Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates exceptional commitment to EMS excellence and patient care.
"This year’s recipient is Chrissy Yates.
"Chrissy has been a driving force behind many improvements within the department’s EMS program. One example is her work to place Cyano-kits on Battalion Chief vehicles, an initiative that proved its value almost immediately when the equipment was used to help save the life of a civilian rescued from a house fire.
"But Chrissy’s impact goes far beyond equipment and protocols.
"She is the heart of the EMS program. She consistently supports crews, answers calls even on her days off, and works behind the scenes to ensure firefighters and paramedics have what they need to deliver the highest level of care to our community.
"Her dedication, positivity, and leadership make our department stronger every day.
"Please join me in congratulating Chrissy Yates — Paramedic of the Year.”
About This Award…
This award is given annually to a ranked or non-ranked EMT/ Paramedic for dedicated service and professionalism embodying the duties of a public servant for the department. To entitle a member for consideration of this award, he/she should be described as having the following attributes:
- Demonstrated capability to work and lead in the EMS field
- Working well with others to focus on the patient care and EMS program management
- Willingness to troubleshoot, identify service gaps, and solve problems in the EMS delivery field
- A role model other EMT's/ Paramedics
- Extraordinary actions on or off duty
Firefighter of the Year: Aaron Stone
What the department said…
“Our next award recognizes a firefighter who embodies the values of our profession.
"The Firefighter of the Year Award goes to Aaron Stone.
"Aaron is known throughout the department for his work ethic, his dedication to training, and his commitment to personal growth.
"He trains hard, studies even harder, and constantly pushes himself to improve. But what truly sets Aaron apart is that he doesn’t keep that growth to himself — he shares it with everyone around him.
"During the Captain’s promotional process, Aaron focused less on competing and more on helping others perform at their best. That speaks volumes about the kind of teammate he is.
"Aaron consistently places the department and the citizens we serve above himself. He embodies what it means to be a firefighter — committed to being the best possible version of himself as a firefighter, a teammate, a husband, a father, and a friend."
About this award…
This award is given annually to a non-ranked firefighter for dedicated service and professionalism embodying the duties of a public servant for the department. This award shall only be given to non-probationary firefighters. To entitle a member for consideration of this award, he/she should be described as having the following attributes:
- Demonstrated capability to work and lead
- Working well with others to focus on the mission, vision and values of the department.
- Willingness to devote extra hours to assure the department reaches goals
- A role model to other firefighters
Officer of the Year: Captain Lewis Williams
What the department said…
“Leadership is one of the most important responsibilities in the fire service.
"The Officer of the Year Award recognizes a company officer who demonstrates exceptional leadership, mentorship, and operational excellence.
"This year’s recipient is Captain Lewis Williams.
"Captain Williams is deeply involved in charitable efforts and voluntary activities that strengthen our community and our department.
"Operationally, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership on emergency incidents, including the rescue of a civilian trapped in a structure fire in Buena Vista. His crew operated like a well-oiled machine, successfully risking a lot to save a lot.
"But perhaps the most telling measure of Captain Williams’ leadership is the culture he creates within his crew.
"When firefighters see that Captain Williams is the company officer for the shift, they know it’s going to be a good day. He fosters an environment where people are motivated to do their best and take pride in their work.
"His leadership makes our department stronger."
About the Award…
This award is given annually to any officer or above, for dedicated service and professionalism embodying the duties of a public servant for the department. This award shall only be given to non-probationary company officers.
This award can be given to company officers assigned to divisions other than field operations. To entitle a member for consideration of this award, he/she should be described as having the following attributes:
- Demonstrated capability to work and lead
- Working well with others to focus on the mission, vision and values of the department.
- Willingness to devote extra hours to assure the department reaches goals
- A role model to other company officers and firefighters.
Honor Award: Firefighter Steve Gompf and Engineer Tony Mallaro
What the department said…
“Our final award tonight is the Honor Award.
"This award recognizes individuals whose contributions have had a significant and lasting impact on the department.
"This year’s recipients are Firefighter Steve Gompf and Engineer Tony Mallaro.
"Steve and Tony played a critical role in getting multiple apparatus placed into service for the department — including three fire engines, the MRV, Battalion Chief 702, the training truck, and Chief Burnett.
"Their work required countless hours of effort behind the scenes coordinating equipment, preparing apparatus, and ensuring everything was ready for operational service.
"Without their dedication and commitment, it is very likely that several of these critical resources would not currently be in service.
"Their efforts have strengthened the operational readiness of this department and improved our ability to serve the community.
"Please join me in congratulating Firefighter Steve Gompf and Engineer Tony Mallaro — recipients of the Honor Award.”
About the Award…
This award is given to the member who has performed outstanding service to the department or to the public safety of the community with regard to fire and emergency service in the city.
Any member who performs outstanding service to the department or to the public safety of the community with regard to fire and emergency service in the city.
