The Fire Department service awards are given to members who, in the discharge of their duties, contribute to an improved outcome through outstanding efforts. Both citizens and peers nominate members.

2011
Firefighter of the Year Awards

Captain Brian Faruki

Upon transfer to station 35, then firefighter Faruki, now Captain Faruki, made an immediate impact on the expertise, morale and quality of service to the city. Through his leadership skills and work ethic, Captain Faruki has made a significant impact on life at station 35, it is a better place to work. Across the board, members of station 35 are much happier, more eager to participate and want to provide the best service possible to the city.  Members of station 35 are excited about the changes he has implemented.  Station 35 members remain positive when current staffing levels are low and responsibilities are shared between just a few people. Not only does Captain Faruki demand our best on each and every alarm but, he is the first to take responsibility for his employees when something is not up to par.

Firefighter/Paramedic Joel Busch

As a firefighter and paramedic, Joel consistently performs with the highest level of professionalism on every fire scene or medical emergency. His attention to detail is unsurpassed concerning safety for civilians and firefighters both at scenes and in the firehouse. Joel is highly respected by his peers for his job knowledge, ability to perform and teach and any skill or concept involving fire and EMS. He is, in my opinion, our highest qualified instructor has even mentored our instructors.

Regarding his other involvement in the department, Joel is an air room tech, member of the Haz Mat team and safety committee. His biggest achievement is the facilitation of the new apparatus replacement program just adopted by the department. This program was a group effort, in addition to doing the lion's share of work, he put in many late nights at work and home without compensation. Joel is committed to making this department the best it can be. This program will help the department ensure the safety of its citizens and firefighters well into the future and aid in fiscal responsibility.

Service award for Dale Booher, 27 years of service to the City of Kettering Fire Department.

Life Saving Award

On the evening of November 30, 2009, Engine 36, Medic 36 and CBR 36 (community based responder) responded to a medical emergency. Upon arrival, crews found a lifeless person. Crews performed Advanced Life Support care through the use of CPR, defibrillation, and medical drug therapies. While on the scene, the patient did regain spontaneous circulation (pulse) and breathing. The patient was later discharged with a new implanted cardiac device and is recovering well. One interesting fact about this patient is that he/she had participated in Kettering Medical Center's TV commercials entitled "Saved My Life" previously.

For their efforts, FF/Paramedics Ethan Klussman, Kirk Mellendorf, Rob Fowler, Darin Townsend, and FF/EMT Ashton Andrews are awarded our Life Saving Award.

Life Saving Award

On March 26, 2010 at 11:25 hours, Engine 33 and Medic 32 to responded to a person down in the driveway. Upon arrival they found their patient had been without life signs for approximately 10 minutes. Crews performed Advanced Life Support care using CPR, defibrillation, and medical drug therapies. Shortly before arrival at the hospital, the patient regained a heartbeat spontaneous breathing. The patient was discharged home some time later with medical heart device and was recovering well.

For their efforts Captain Beaver, Firefighter/Paramedics Mark Duckro, Bill Korb and Dave Roth are awarded our Life Saving Award.

Life Saving & Citizenship Awards

On the morning of January 22, 2010, Engine 34 with Captain Hessinger, FF’s Beals and Panstingel were at the Kettering recreation center exercising when a staff member came to them and reported that a person was passed out in the gym. Two members went to the aid of the patient while the third went to the engine to retrieve the paramedic equipment. Upon arrival at the patient, the crew arrived to find CPR being performed by Ken Bish and Wayne Rickey. Evaluation of the patient revealed no life signs. An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) was placed on the patient while oxygen was being administered to the patient. The AED was successful in restoring a heartbeat. The patient was discharged from the hospital and has returned to playing basketball again at the rec center.

Ken Bish and Wayne Rickey are awarded our Citizenship awards. For their efforts, Captain Hessinger, Firefighter/Paramedics Howard Beals and Doug Panstingel are awarded our Life Saving Award.

Life Saving Award

January 11, 2011, Engine 34 with Firefighter/Paramedics Grunkemeyer, Panstingel, and Pfiefer and Medic 36 responded to a person with difficulty breathing. Upon arrival, the engine crew found the patient to be without life signs. The crew immediately began CPR and other Advanced Life Support care. Within several minutes, the patient regained life signs and was transported to the hospital by Medic 36.  The patient was discharged 2 days later with no physical affects.

For their efforts Firefighter/Paramedics Michael Grunkemeyer, John Pfiefer and Doug Panstingel are awarded our Life Saving Award.

Life Saving & Fire Chief's Award

On January 24 2010, multiple fire and EMS units were dispatched to a report of a house fire. Upon arrival, crews found a house well involved with fire. Upon ladder 32's arrival, the 4-person crew entered the home to conduct a search for victims. The crew split into 2 – two-person crews and performed the search. Crew #1, Lieutenant Braun and FF Wood, searched on the right and FF’s Trick and Kent Denlinger searched the left. Crew #1 with Lt Braun and FF Kris Denlinger searched 2 rooms without finding victims. While searching the third room, Lt. Braun found an unresponsive victim in a bathroom off of a bedroom and started removing the victim, FF Kris Denlinger quickly joined. FF’s Trick and Kent Denlinger finished searching the remainder of the house. The victim was removed from the house and turned over to care of medic crews. The victim did survive the effects of the fire.

For their efforts, Lt Braun and Firefighter/EMT Kris Denlinger are being awarded the Life Saving Award. Firefighter/EMT’s Jon Trick and Kent Denlinger are awarded the Fire Chief’s award.

For Emergencies, dial 9-1-1
For Non-Emergencies, dial 937-296-2489