The Londonderry Fire Department recognized the accomplishments and career milestones of members at its fourth annual Recognition Ceremony.
“We take this time to honor firefighters that achieved career service milestones, promotions, retirements, and those that went above and beyond their regular duties to serve the department and the citizens,” Fire Chief Darren O’Brien said at the March 26 ceremony.
Deborah Pendergast, director of the New Hampshire Fire Standards, Training and EMS, served as guest speaker for the event, a joint effort between the Fire Department and the Londonderry Professional Firefighters Local 3160 Union.
Those who received awards recognizing major accomplishments from the past year were nominated, then vetted by a review committee consisting of seven representatives from the Department membership in a peer-driven process, according to a press release.
Earning top honors was Eugene Jastrem, who was named the Department’s 2016 Fire Officer of the Year.
Members James Bilodeau and David Johnson were also recognized for 30 years of service and Department Chaplin Chet Ham, who died in January, was honored with Support Services Member of the Year.
Certificates of Merit for members’ response to an incident involving a patient who experienced cardiac arrest at the Millennium Mile were presented to Firefighter Benjamin Blake, Firefighter Michael England, Battalion Chief Fred Heinrich, Telecommunications Operator Elizabeth Mahon, Telecommunications Operator Christopher Schofield, Lt. Paramedic Donald Waldron and Battalion Chief Kevin Zins.
Also recognized with Certificates of Merit for the emergency transport of a family member were Firefighter/Paramedic Bruce Hallowell, Firefighter Zach O’Brien and Schofield.
Lt. James “Bo” Butler was recognized with a Certificate of Merit for his work with Honor Flight New England, a non-profit dedicated to honoring America’s most senior veterans with a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at their memorials at no cost.
In addition to recognizing members for their response to major events in the previous year, the ceremony also celebrated members who have completed probation, reached a 10-year incremental anniversary, received a promotion or achieved retirement.