The Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department celebrated service, tradition and community commitment during its Christmas Party and Awards Ceremony Sunday.
The event brought firefighters, families and friends together for what the department hopes will become an annual tradition. The afternoon included the department’s first badge ceremony, years-of-service awards, community service recognitions and a special service presentation.
Fire Marshal Gary Bowker opened the program with a prayer, followed by the reading of the department’s mission statement.
A key moment of the event was the inaugural badge ceremony. In the fire service, the badge symbolizes community trust, responsibility to fellow firefighters and the courage required on every call.
“The badge is a reminder of the promise each crew member makes every time they step into the station,” Chief Stuart Cassaboom said. “This first-year ceremony marks an important step in building a tradition that will carry forward for future generations of firefighters.”
The department also honored EMS Director Jeri Wheatley for 43 years of EMS service, including 15 years of leadership in Arkansas City.
Three members received Community Service Awards for work in public outreach, fire prevention and strengthening community relationships. They were Captain/Paramedic Brandy Rice, Reserve Captain Mike Evinger and Firefighter/EMT David Kruse.
Years-of-service awards were presented to:
1+ Years:
Tyler Arrowsmith; Isaiah Stephens; Patrick Rodke; Alec Petry; Parker Manning; Joe Camara; Cutter Plush; Jaxson Slater; Cade Gillock; Austyn Butler
5+ Years:
Lieutenant/AEMT Logan French; Firefighter/Paramedic Will Hankins; Firefighter/EMT David Kruse; Lieutenant/Paramedic Daniel Dedrick
10+ Years:
Captain/Firefighter-EMT Tanner McClure
15+ Years:
Captain/Paramedic Josh Bowker
20+ Years:
Captain/Paramedic Brandy Rice; Reserve Captain Mike Evinger
