MOBILE, Ala. – The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department celebrated its 3^rd-Annual Awards Banquet on Tuesday night, honoring the commitments and support of civilian organizations, local businesses, and the men and women of MFRD. Hosted by WKRG News 5's Devon Walsh, the Banquet spotlighted generous contributions from the Mobile community while also awarding bravery and excellence in service.

 

Early in the evening, a special moment was taken to celebrate the 200^th-year anniversary of Creole Fire Station Number 1, one of Mobile’s first volunteer fire stations and the only all-Creole company in Mobile Fire’s rich history. A full house paid homage to the final crews assigned to the historic station prior to integration in 1972. Living members and family representatives stood before an awed crowd, as they received commendation via a proclamation from Alabama Governor Kay Ivey commemorating Creole 1’s Bicentennial.

 

Special Guest Speaker Terry Curtis, head football coach at UMS-Wright Preparatory School and National Coach of the Year, inspired those in attendance with a spirit-moving speech focusing on teamwork, dedication, appreciation, and sacrifice.

 

The Banquet, sponsored by Infirmary Health and The Locale, with catering provided by Carrabba’s Italian Grill, came to a close with the presentation of special awards, including Outstanding Service Awards and the coveted Firefighter of the Year Award:

 

CHAPLAIN OF THE YEAR

Chaplain Len Chilton         

 

SPECIAL AWARD

Dr. Lynn Dyess

 

CAREER SERVICE AWARD

Dr. John McMahon

 

DR. JOHN MCMAHON LEGACY AWARD

(Presented to a local business for remarkable impact in/on Mobile communities)

Camp Grace

 

PHYSICAL FITNESS (Scored exceptionally high on MFRD Physical Fitness Test)

FSC Dale A. Shaw

FSD Willard C. Lowery

FSD Joseph O’Connor

FSD Paula A. Trimmier

FF Jennifer Albrecht

FF Elaine Spruill

FF James Ramsay

FF Jonathan Ivy

FF James P. Riley

FF Ben W. Hawkins

FF Nicholas K. Miller

 

OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARDS (Nominated by Chief officers, voted on by Department peers)

 

Outstanding Service Award for Communicator

Communications Officer Theresa Van Driessche

 

Outstanding Service Award for Firefighter

FF Glenn Merritt

 

Outstanding Service Award for Medic

Paramedic FF Tony Rutland

 

Outstanding Service Award for Driver

Fire Service Driver Chuck Carter

 

Outstanding Service Award for Officer

Fire Service Driver Tim Hall, Jr.

 

Organizational Impact Award

Captain Barry Glisson

 

FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

FF Zac Foerster

 

 

 

Foerster was recognized for his selfless actions during a fatal June 2019 motor vehicle incident in Robertsdale, during which an off-duty Foerster triaged 7 patients, provided care to the most critically injured, and instructed bystanders on how to assist victims.