Polk County Fire Rescue Recognizes Old and New at January Ceremony
Polk County, FL – (Feb. 8, 2016) – At Polk County Fire Rescue’s recent promotional and oath of office ceremonies held on Jan. 13 and 14, more than 20 men and women were recognized.
The ceremony, held at the Polk State College Center for Public Safety in Winter Haven, took the time to recognize select individuals for their years of service, several newly promoted individuals and a few new hires as well.
During the ceremony, EMT Billie Williams was recognized for 10 years of service, new Training Captain Todd Tanner was recognized for 25 years of service, and Battalion Chief Jeff Calcutt, Battalion Chief Steve Lajoie and Battalion Medical Chief Steve Powell were recognized for 30 years of service to the division.
Polk County Fire Rescue also awarded several Unit Citations for ‘outstanding performance, dedication and service to the residents and visitors of Polk County, Fla.’ Scott Huff, Phillip Riddle, Brian Steger, Shawn Stewart and Rob Williams were all awarded for their performance extinguishing a fire and preserving as much evidence as possible at an active crime scene where SWAT Paramedic John Mikula had recently been shot and injured in a standoff.
Jennifer Huff, Scott Huff and Phillip Riddle were promoted to Lieutenant.
Jason Brock and Ryan Moore were promoted to Engineer.
Ashley Meyer was promoted to Paramedic.
Larry Bennett, Murphy Hanley, Bruce Lee and Michael Zarle were appointed to serve as Chaplains.
Newly hired firefighters Nathan Duncan, Devon Heathfield and Chad Kuschel took their oaths of office.
“I am continually reminding our folks that every moment of every day, whether on- or off-duty, they are representing PCFR and the Board of County Commissioners,” said Polk County Fire Rescue Chief David Cash. “We exist for one reason, to serve the residents and visitors of Polk County, and the men and women recognized at this ceremony have done exactly that. We are proud of their work.”
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Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) is a division of the Board of County Commissioners. PCFR provides fire and emergency medical services to residents in a 2000 square mile area, as well as provides mutual aid to surrounding cities and counties. PCFR has more than 525 full time employees throughout 48 stations, which run more than 80,000 calls each year.
Polk County Fire Rescue holds promotional and oath of office ceremonies at Polk State College Center for Public Safety in Winter Haven.
Chief David Cash presents Battalion Medical Chief Steve Powell with his 30-year ribbon.
Newly promoted lieutenant Scott Huff pins his newly promoted wife Lieutenant Jennifer Huff.
