Firefighters and, for the first time, emergency medical service personnel received awards Saturday (Sept. 28) at the 20th annual Jeffco Fire Engine Rally in Herculaneum.
One of the awards was the Life Saving Award, which went to the Goldman Fire Protection District for an unusual rescue, Herculaneum Fire Department Chief Bill Haggard said.
“They saved a police dog from choking on a bone during training with his handler,” Haggard said. “It was last January at Lake Tishomingo. They were able to save the dog, an Arnold Police dog.”
More than 1,000 people attended the rally to watch the awards presenation and look at the firetrucks, ambulances and helicopters on display.
Approximately 65 firefighting and emergency response vehicles were included in the annual parade held to kick off the rally.
Equipment was entered from departments and districts all around the metropolitan area. A panel of judges selected the award winners, who were recognized for good work throughout the year, as well as for winning contests held during the rally, Haggard said.
The Fire Department of the Year Award went to the Jefferson R-7 Fire Protection District.
Firefighter of the Year was Rob Schrage of Jefferson R-7 FPD.
And, Fire Chief of the Year was Mike Schrage, assistant chief with the Crystal City Fire Department.
Other awards included: EMS Department of the Year, Joachim-Plattin Ambulance District; Paramedic of the Year, Gary Stefan of Joachim-Plattin Ambulance District; EMS Chief Officer of the Year, Jesse Barton of Valle Ambulance District.
The rally contest awards were: Firefighter Challenge, Hillsboro FPD; Bucket Brigade, Goldman FPD; Water Fight, Union FPD; Overall Winner: Hillsboro FPD.
Other rally awards were: Farthest Traveled, Marion County Ambulance District of Hannibal; Best Overall Antique, De Soto firetruck owned by Todd Mahn of De Soto; Newest Apparatus in Service, Marthasville FPD, a 2013 model truck; Best Rescue Truck, Marthasville FPD; Best Overall Current Apparatus, High Ridge FPD; Best Aerial Apparatus, Festus Fire Department; Best Pumper Apparatus, Herculaneum Fire Department; Oldest Apparatus in Service, Park Hills Fire Department; Heritage Apparatus Award, O’Fallon (Mo.) FPD; Best Overall Ground Cover Apparatus, Hematite FPD; Best Tanker Apparatus, Hematite FPD; Best Lettering & Detailing, Valle Ambulance District; Best Overall EMS Vehicle, Rock Township Ambulance District; Judges Apparatus Award, Warrenton FPD.
Also Dalmatian awards were presented. They were: Best Trick, Crystal of St. Louis; Best Costume, Indie of Cottleville; Largest Dog, Blaze of High Ridge.
