The Mount Vernon Fire Department held an Awards Banquet on the evening of January 25, 2023, to honor members of the department for their exemplary service throughout 2022. Attending the event were members of the Mount Vernon Fire Department and their families, as well as retired members of the Mount Vernon Fire Department and their families. Also in attendance was City Administration and members of City Council.
The award presentation began by recognizing Dr. Tracy Schermer. Dr. Schermer was the Medical Director for MVFD for 28 years prior to
retiring in May of 2022. To honor the former Medical Director and his dedication to EMS throughout our community, the first-ever Dr. Schermer EMS Award was presented. That recipient was Erick Fisher. EMS Commendation Ribbons were given to Lieutenant Jay Laymon, Jack Carter and Andrew Sims for their quick actions during a call in July of 2022 which led to a positive outcome for a patient.
Moving onto the evening’s fire awards, 13 members of the MVFD received Fire Commendation Ribbons for their performance during a working residential fire on August 16, 2022. Those recipients were Incident Commander, Captain Josh Lester; Ladder 491’s Brayden Kramp, Kayla Corbin, Thomas Cooper, and Ros
s Wind; Engine 491’s Bryan Conant (Driver/Operator), Lieutenant Chad Elser, David
Miller, and Jack Carter; Engine 492’s Lieutenant Coty Shellenbarger, Kevin Lisbon, and Brian Krehel; and Engine 493’s Tim Rose.
Receiving the Distinguished Service Medal for their rescue in the previously mentioned
residential fire were Lieutenant Chad Elser, David Miller and Jack Carter. Once the crew arrived on scene they were able to locate and remove the victim within 4 minutes 36 seconds. Also receiving an award for the same incident were members of the Mount Vernon Police Department; Sergeant Justin Willis, Lieutenant Qade Lewis, Patrolman James Coffey and Patrolman Paige Sims all received the Firefighter’s Cross for their actions on August 6, 2022.
The final awards were given to the 2022 Officer of the Year and 2022 Firefighter of the Year. Lieutenant Chad Elser was named Mount Vernon Fire Department’s 2022 Officer of the Year. Thomas Calland was named Mount Vernon Fire Department’s 2022 Firefighter of the Year.
