Pomeroy Fire Department receives state award

COLUMBUS — The Pomeroy Fire Department official received its Ohio Fire Department of the Year award Wednesday when the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal and the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Division of EMS awarded the fire service’s highest honors during the state’s 43rd annual Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame & Fire Awards ceremony.

The event took place Wednesday at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in downtown Columbus. Approximately 300 individuals, including state officials, first responders, family members of honorees and the general public attended the ceremony, which takes place each year to recognize the valor, dedication and exemplary service of fire service members from across the state.

The Pomeroy Fire Department was honored as Ohio Fire Department of the Year for its exceptional contributions to fire education and community service. Operating as an all-volunteer force with 30 members, the Pomeroy Fire Department has become a cornerstone of the local community not only through its fire prevention and response efforts, but also through its active engagement in community service projects. In partnership with the Pomeroy Firemen’s Association, the department has enhanced fire prevention awareness and spearheaded various initiatives, including supporting local events, conducting food drives coupled with fire education, distributing smoke detectors, and participating in public service announcements on the topic of fire safety.

There are approximately 50,000 dedicated men and women who serve in Ohio’s fire service. Today’s awards ceremony recognizes the bravery, commitment and sacrifice those men and women make on behalf of their communities.

Several members — Chief Derek Miller, Captain Tre Wallace, Lieutenant Ben Young, Safety Officer Aaron Oliphant and Senior Firefighter Steve Hartenbach — represented the department at the ceremony.

Pomeroy Mayor Don Anderson met crews in Columbus to share his congratulations to the members.

According to the Pomeroy FD’s Facebook page, many other agencies spoke with admiration of the department and asked how the do it. “Simply answered, our firefighters and community members work hand in hand to promote fire suppression, fire safety, and community service. As great of an honor as this is, we accept it on behalf of our community that supports our endeavors, so that we may help you in your time of need.”

“The tremendous valor, dedication and bravery displayed by members of Ohio’s fire service and EMS professionals are unparalleled,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “Each day, they face wide range of challenges with resilience and a commitment to saving lives, often under the most perilous conditions. This awards ceremony provides a unique opportunity to shine a light on these remarkable individuals who, through their actions, exemplify the highest ideals of public service.”

“Today, we are reminded of the profound impact our firefighters and EMS professionals have on the safety and well-being of our communities,” Executive Director of the Ohio Division of EMS Robert Wagoner said. “Their unwavering courage, dedication and commitment to serving others represent the pinnacle of public service. It is an honor to recognize these local heroes who go above and beyond the call of duty.”

Ohio Department of Commerce Director Sherry Maxfield, State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon, Director of Public Safety Andy Wilson, and Executive Director of the Ohio Division of EMS Robert Wagoner presented honorees with awards during the ceremony. In addition to Reardon and Wilson, the event featured remarks by John Finley, State Fire Council Chair, and Mark Marchetta, Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services Board Chair.

Other award winners included:

Citizens Award — Drake and Andrew Carrell, Eaton (Preble County)Fire Service Valor Award — Robert Bloom and Aaron Lopez, Springfield Fire Department, Springfield (Clark County)Ohio Fire Service Distinguished Service Award — James Delman, Sunset Heights (Belmont County), Jack Guyton, Radnor (Delaware County), Robert Lloyd, Fairport Harbor (Lake County), Glenn Michael Ullom, Centerburg (Knox County)Ohio Fire Service Instructor of the Year — Courtney Kelly, Lowellville (Mahoning County)Ohio Fire Prevention Educator of the Year — Angela Potter, Copley (Summit County)Ohio Fire Officer of the Year — Shawn McKelvey, Fredericksburg (Wayne County)Ohio Fire Educator Lifetime Achievement — Charles Dixon, Granville (Licking County)