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The North Hays County Fire Rescue hosted its annual awards and badge pinning ceremony at the end of February, recognizing almost 50 firefighters across the county.
The annual ceremony was held in Dripping Springs on Saturday, February 26. Sheriff Gary Cutler administered the oath of office to new members and newly promoted members, officially pinning their new badges on their uniform. Additional firefighters were recognized for their achievements, including advanced fire and rescue certifications, service milestones, commendations and life saving awards.
There were over 120 people in attendance including fire department members and their families.
The badges pinned at these ceremonies originate from the Knights of Malta and their predecessor, the Order of St. John, a group formed during the 11th-century crusades to care for the sick and wounded and to safeguard the routes from Europe to the Holy Land, according to Chief Robert R. Rielage, a former Ohio fire marshal.
“Legend tells us that these knights of old from almost a millennium ago, had a creed or belief that their purpose in life was to serve those less fortunate,” Chief Rielage said. “They held that service, honor and integrity… defined the service to others that they performed and we provide today. Every time you pin on your badge, whether to be sworn in as the newest firefighter, or as a veteran firefighter, officer or chief reporting to work, remember the trust it represents and the higher code of conduct we collectively must uphold.”
The respective awards,as well as their recipients, are listed below:
Firefighter of the Year
Franco Rodriguez, Career
Rich Villa, North Hays
VFD
Martin Taylor, Driftwood VFD
Steve Curran, Henly
VFD
Lieutenant Promotions
Steven Fretwell
Josh Peters
Evan Smith
Engineer (Driver) Promotions
Zach Bergh
Darryl Fancher
Corby Kokemoor
Craig Lalonde
Tom Lambrecht
Nick Riley
New Firefighters (Career and Volunteer)
Jener Beauman
Garrett Blumhagen
Roland Brewer
Tim Doyle
Andrew Dunn Sr.
Andrew Dunn Jr.
Brooks Felder
JD Finley
George Godson
Aiden Greene
Avery Hyatt
Paul Janowitz
Robert Johnson
Jordan Joucken
Joel Malave
Christopher Mateja
Christopher Moore
Ryan Moreno
Zach Newcomb
Farrah Quinby
Jesse Ruschiensky
Austin Scoggin
Joanne Stanley
Tyler Trojcak
Tiyanya Weippert
Life Saving Award
Captain Jason Caldwell
Engineer Zach Bergh
Firefighter Rebekah
Wright
Firefighter Weston Sharp
Firefighter Justin Brown
5 Years of Service
Firefighter Mike Eden
Engineer Jonathan Pacheco
Lieutenant Evan Smith
Curtis Dicley Award
Captain Jason Caldwell. This award was presented to Captain Caldwell for his dedicated service to the Fire Department and the community.
Hays County ESD #6 President's Award
Mr. Cleveland O'Brien, owner of O'Brien Propane. This award was presented to Mr. O'Brien for his willingness to provide critical service to the Fire Department during the Winter Storm Disaster of February, 2021.
