The evening of March 18 was an emotional and heartwarming one for members of West Metro Fire Rescue. The West Metro Promotional and Recognition Ceremony was an opportunity to celebrate the members of our community who have made a difference by helping others in an emergency situation and the accomplishments of our fire fighters for the many outstanding contributions they have made in our community.

The ceremony began with an emotional reunion with one of our patients and the people who saved him.

On June 10, 2007, Gary Kuntz and Jason Giles came upon an accident victim. The victim, a seasoned mountain biker, had taken a serious fall and was severely injured and was stranded about 3-1/2 miles up Waterton Canyon.

While Gary went in search of a phone to call and direct EMS to the scene, Jason stayed with the patient. While waiting for help, Jim and Wendy Philips came upon the scene. Due to their experience as avid hikers in Colorado's back country, they always made sure they were prepared with extra supplies, in case of an emergency. This was one such emergency and they were able to help keep the victim comfortable, using coats to keep him warm as he started to go into shock, and a red tarp to help flag down the helicopter.

Charles Ferris also came upon the scene and aided by helping keep him calm until help arrived. Ironically, Danny Sullivan, a good friend of the victim also happened upon the accident and worked with the other good Samaritans to keep him calm and comfortable while waiting for medical help. Had it not been for the quick and compassionate response by Gary, Jason, Jim, Wendy, Charles, Danny, and the crew at Station 15, the patient might not have been able to attend the ceremony. Thanks to the care and support, the victim received from fellow citizens, friends and family, and emergency personnel, the victim has almost fully recovered and is back in training for the upcoming season!

At this ceremony, West Metro Fire Rescue also took time to recognize youth throughout the community who have learned lessons from fire fighters and educators teaching in their schools about what constitutes as a true emergency and how to respond by calling 9-1-1. Their knowledge helped save lives and for that they were recognized with a certificate noting their accomplishment and a t-shirt recognizing them as a 9-1-1 hero.

It isn't just our citizens who help keep people and property safe within our community; it is the men and women who have contributed their lives to a career in the Fire Service. At the ceremony, we commended the following people for 20, 25, and 30 years of service.

20 Years of Service

Captain Steven G. Abrams - Captain Stephen T. Johnston

Engineer Mark Kenly - Division Chief Mark A. Krapf

Lieutenant Kevin P. Schmidt - Captain Kenneth C. Schneider

25 Years of Service

Engineer Nicholas Carayannis - Engineer James B. Gumm

Lieutenant Wayne Keith - Fire Fighter Loren B. Laramore

Fire Fighter Kenneth Marzetta - Engineer Daniel O. Mesch

Engineer Philip Pitrone - Engineer Ralph Sugar

Captain Rodney Tyus

30 Years of Service

Lieutenant Thomas E. Reynolds - Engineer Craig A. Stevens

It is an interesting fact that Lt. Reynolds' son is a new fire fighter recruit in our currant academy and when he officially joins our ranks, following his graduation in May, their family will be one of only two KNOWN Colorado fire fighter families with FOUR generations of fire fighters. Ironically, the other family also happens to be within the West Metro Fire Rescue Community!

Tuesday was not just a night to celebrate and recognize the service that our fire fighters and members of the community have provided; it was a night to celebrate promotions.

Fire Fighter Dean Severson promoted to rank of Engineer

Fire Fighter James Hernandez promoted to rank of Lieutenant

Fire Fighter Brian Brush promoted to rank of Lieutenant

Lt. Scott Smith promoted to rank of Captain

Assistant Chief Michael Murphy promoted to rank of Deputy Chief

West Metro Fire Rescue Promotional Ceremonies are a great way to remind people within the department and the community the importance of what we do as fire fighters and as community members to make a difference in the lives of people around them by knowing when and how to dial 9-1-1 and lending a helping hand when it is needed.

Story written by Kristen Perry -Community Outreach -West Metro Fire Rescue