Scottsdale Fire Department recognized outstanding employee and volunteer achievements and promotions at its annual ceremony on Nov. 10 at the Scottsdale Museum of the West in the South Plaza.
“Dedication to excellence for our community is evident in these honorees,” said Fire Chief Tom Shannon. “Living the ‘We Care for You’ philosophy is at the core of what they do on a daily basis.”
Outstanding service awards were presented to four employees and one fire volunteer. Recent promotions of 13 staff members were also highlighted. The Barrett Jackson Auction Company was recognized with the Community Partner Award and the Scottsdale Building Maintenance and Construction Services Department were honored with the Chief’s Award for Outstanding Service for their work on the super-sized props for the 9/11 Tribute.
Employee Awards
Firefighter Jason Jones
Firefighter of the Year
Jason has an amazing work ethic that shows in his attention to detail and the pride he takes in the work he produces as a firefighter paramedic. He is an informal leader always willing to lend a hand to his peers and supervisors. As a leader he is constantly motivating the people he works with – by initiative drills, training and stations duties as well as organizing off duty team building sessions
Captain Mike Norling
Officer of the Year
Mike is a great mentor for all – from the most senior person to the most junior person. Mike works tirelessly with the new recruits and paramedic students who come to his engine. He is fully invested in the mission of “We Care for You.” His caring personality, dedication to training and appreciation for health and fitness are constant motivators. He inspires better firefighters and better human beings. He demonstrates his caring and compassion to not only his family but to many who are lucky enough to have worked with him.
Scottsdale Building Maintenance and Construction Services
Chief’s Award for Outstanding Service
The biggest feature of the 15th Anniversary of the 9/11 Memorial Tribute was the display of cards that highlighted the name and bio of each person who died in the attacks. The Scottsdale Building Maintenance and Construction Services crew were tasked to come up with the concepts that would respectfully honor those who died in the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, on the four airplanes, and the first responders who lost their lives going into stave the trapped. Andrew Dorame developed the plans that used steel, brass and polycarbonate to create the industrial look and feel of the super-sized props.
Ricky King
Fire & Life Safety Award
Ricky worked diligently on many accomplishments this year. All of his successful programs ultimately provide more safety for those who work and play in Scottsdale. What is unique is that his work does that from more than one front. Operations support comes from a new program of having a monthly education session with all the City Planning department members. Access issues for fire and ems are addressed early in the building phases through these discussions.
Susan Williams
Administrative Person of the Year
Susan has been inundated with unprecedented growth in permits, inspections and records requests. Due to the growth in the construction economy, inspections have gone up dramatically and Susan has to interact with each of the contractors and our inspectors to book appointments. She is handling the volume exceptionally well, including citizen customer requests for information and consultation regarding the fire codes and ordinances.
Helen Hennessy
Volunteer of the Year
The Community Relations section was in need of a flexible, organized, problem-solver who was willing to move boxes, assist in classes and complete admin work. We found that in Helen. She has been a lifesaver in support. Helen truly is a right-hand person for our Community Relations Section.
Barrett Jackson Auction Company
Community Partner
A major signature event like this doesn’t just happen. It takes an untold amount of teamwork, trust, planning and execution to pull off one of the largest interactive and destination experiences in the country. This couldn’t happen if it wasn’t for the willingness and strength of the partnership that has been cultivated and developed between the auction company and Scottsdale Fire.
Scottsdale Fire Promotions
Eric Valliere Assistant Fire Chief
Marty Armstrong Firefighter, 15-04
David Watts Firefighter, 15-04
Michael Bolinger Captain
Jeremy Reed Captain
Matt Fleegle Firefighter, 16-01
Ryan Forsy the Firefighter, 16-01
Kenny Otter Engineer
Brandon Thompson Engineer
Austin Hendricks Firefighter, 16-02
Chris Rubio Firefighter, 16-02
Tony Bennett Fire Inspector II
Lori Schmidt Public Information Officer
