GRAY FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Gray Fire Department held its annual banquet and awards ceremony Dec. 7 at Butler Hall with a focus on pride in the training and professionalism of the volunteer firefighters who protect the City of Gray.
Gray Fire Chief Keith Eisele, who has been a firefighter with GFD for 17 years and chief since 2018, served as master of ceremonies for the event. The awards were presented after dinner.
Eisele said recognizing the exceptional job of Gray’s firefighters is one of the most personally fulfilling parts of his job.
“I know that Gray Fire Department members are doing great things and making incredible contributions to our community each day,” he said. “What a normal citizen may consider to be heroic, to us, to my team members, it’s just a regular day.” Earnest Lee Faircloth received a five-year service award. The chief said he joined the agency in 2018, has completed firefighter 1 and gained his NPQ FF1 certification. He is now waiting for the FF2 program to start in 2024.
“He is the first to help a fellow member in need,” Eisele said.
Support Firefighter of Year
Dr. Rebecca Husted received the Support Firefighter of the Year award.
The chief said Husted began with the agency in 2012 while conducting a large animal course.
She holds a Ph.D and is a retired major in the Army. “She is always looking for ways to improve our agency and keep us on a pathway to success,” he said.
Firefighter of Year
FF Caroline Thompson was named Firefighter of the Year. Eisele said she joined in 2021 and enrolled in the FF1 course in 2022. He said she excelled in the course and achieved her certification in mid 2022.
“She has since then attended numerous other classes and even attained her public Fire and Life Safety Educator certification to be part of our fire prevention team, teaching the public,” he said.
The chief said Thompson is also waiting to attend the FF2 course.
Sergeant of Year
GFD Sgt. Mark Husted was awarded Sergeant of the Year. Eisele said sergeants oversee seven firefighters while mentoring new and current members. Husted joined the agency in 2017.
“Sgt. Husted is dedicated to serving our community and has shown great teamwork.
He is always ready to help with any task given,” Eisele said.
He added that Husted is a certified FF2 and fire instructor and answered 76 percent of the incidents this year.
Officer of Year
Capt. Heather Johnson was named Officer of the Year. Johnson joined GFD in 2011. Eisele said in addition to FF1 and FF2 courses, she has obtained Public and Fire Life Educator, Fire Instructor 2, Fire Officer 2 and numerous other certifications. She also serves as Fire Prevention Specialist who oversees and provides all education to the public including schools and nursing homes.
Meritorious awards
Faircloth and Sgt.
Patrick Peebles were presented the meritorious awards. The chief said the award is presented to those who go above and beyond their duties and have a record of significant contributions and service.
Sgt. Brandon G. Perry was also recognized as Firefighter of the Quarter.
Closing
In Eisele’s concluding remarks, he thanked each member for their support and dedication. He also took a moment to thank their families.
“We owe them an overwhelming debt of gratitude for supporting you,” he said. “What you do, it’s a simple proposition: it takes courage, and I want to personally thank your families who have to stand and wait while you keep us safe.”
The chief said he can be fearless about the challenges that lay ahead because he knows the department will stand strong together.
“Let’s make our New Year resolution to be there for each other and help fellow human beings in need, even if we don’t know them personally.”
