Manson Fire Department celebrates 75 years, honors local heroes

MANSON – Recently, the Manson Fire Department honored its staff, volunteer members, and commissioners at a Firefighter Appreciation Banquet BBQ at Champion Orchards Barn.

This year, the Manson Fire Department marks 75 years of service.

“We have many things to celebrate in those 75 years, but above all, we celebrate a volunteer organization providing essential services to our community,” Manson Fire Chief Arnold Baker said in his speech. “Thanks to the overwhelming support of our voters (72.76%), we are going to have a bright future as well.”

“You have much respect from our region’s firefighters,” he said. “You haven’t achieved that respect from your fellow firefighters by being just volunteers. You’re Firefighters.”  

In October, Chief Baker will speak at the Washington Fire Commissioners Conference about successful volunteer programs.

“Simply put, we have a culture in Manson that others want,” he said. 

He said the ingredients of that culture include caring, integrity, passion, fun, quality and professionalism, trust, ownership, safety, and a strong focus on teamwork. Those ingredients emphasize concern for others, honesty, enthusiasm for the job, enjoyment, excellence, confidence, shared responsibility, and working together as one team for a common purpose.

Awards

Ronan Walsh was awarded the 2023 Recruit of the Year for his excitement in drill and incident response. Manson Fire Chief Arnold Baker said Walsh “jumped in and did a fantastic job.”

The Commissioner's Award 2023 for exemplary service, duty, and integrity was a tie between Dan Weakly and Ronan Walsh.

In 2023 eleven people took the recruit class, which for Manson is a large class, Baker said.

Training Awards for the Volunteer Recruit Academy class went to Lou Hazim, Doug Pinski, Chris Ghioni, Dan Weakly, Jesus Estrada-Torres, and Brooks Pinski.

Nick Glenn, Dashiell Hei, Brian Whitney and Kermit McClellan were awarded for Completed Agency and Online Training. For completing the training the four men received an LED light for their helmets.

Adam Rasmussen received an Undisputed Belt along with his award for the Best SCBA Time.

The team has developed a friendly rivalry around the fastest time to put on the SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus). Captain Rasmussen currently holds the best time at 45 seconds, and to encourage the competition, the department introduced an "undisputed champion" belt, similar to a boxing title, Baker said. 

Aaron Richmond earned the Volunteer of the Year 2023 with the most responses to fire calls and drill attendance.

As the Inspiration of the volunteers Aaron Richmond and Ronan Walsh received Firefighter of the Year 2023.

For outstanding service on the fire incident  “Rocky Point Fire,” Adam Rasmussen was awarded the Chief’s Award 2023.

Manson Firefighter Association Awards 

The Firefighters Association is a charitable organization that works to feed the hungry in the community. Doug Pinski is president of the Manson Firefighters Association, and he has shown outstanding dedication, Baker said.

With outstanding dedication to the department’s endeavors, Pinski was awarded the Association Member of the Year 2023.

Retired Manson High School Shop Class teacher, Kevin Amsden, was awarded Public Supporter of the Year.

And Business Supporter of the Year went to Shoreline Watercraft and Boat Rentals. 

Several were recognized for their years of service. Dashiell Hei received a 5-Year Pin. Nick Glenn and Chris Willoughby were recognized for three decades of service with 30-Year Pins. Kermit McClellan was recognized for his outstanding four decades of service with a 40-Year Pin. 

McClellan is Manson’s first 40 years of service.

“That was a standing ovation,” Baker said. “That was a big deal.”

To recognize the fire department's milestone 75-year Anniversary Shirts were given to all firefighter volunteer members and retired attendees.

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media.