Published: February 25, 2009 03:05 pm      

Firefighters get call for awards

More than 350 people — from Zionsville town officials to firefighters from around central Indiana — packed the Palomino Ballroom Saturday, Feb. 21, for the annual Zionsville Fire Department Firefighter’s Ball and Awards Banquet. It was the largest turnout in the event’s nine-year history. It was also a night full of eating, dancing and a silent auction that helped raise money for the department. ZFD handed out several awards, including Firefighter of the Year James Shields, Jr.

ZFD Chief Jamie Van Gorder said Shields’ “dedication to the Zionsville Fire Department is unparalleled.” Shields has manipulated, modified and created the department’s Geographic Information System, which Van Gorder said is a critical lifesaving tool. Van Gorder added that Shields takes time to ensure that new personnel grasp the true meaning of firefighting. Other individual award winners included: Steve Hayes (Paramedic of the Year), Dan Stevens (Emergency Medical Technician of the Year), and Chris Jinkins (Rookie of the Year). Jinkins represents the future of ZFD, which was out in full force Saturday. Along with the many part-time reserve firefighters, the department swore in 12 new full-time firefighters in October.

A plaque featuring a firefighter’s ax was given to firefighter Richard Ford, recognized for 35 years of service.

The crew of Medic 91 — Deputy Chief Brian Miller, Steve Gilliam, Dan Stevens and Bryce Langebartels — received the Unit Commendation Award for saving a man suffering cardiac arrest in October 2008. Gregory McCracken was taking a treadmill test at a local doctor’s office when he suddenly had chest pains and soon went into cardiac arrest. He said he “died four times that day,” and the crew was steadfast in keeping him alive.

“Without them, I wouldn’t be celebrating my 30th (wedding) anniversary,” McCracken said as the crew was honored.

The event also included two fundraising activities: A 50/50 raffle and a silent auction. The raffle raised more than $600 toward medical expenses of Jamestown firefighter Fred Long, who was hospitalized Dec. 26 after being struck by a skidding semi-truck while responding to an earlier crash on Interstate 74.

Companies around Zionsville donated more than 200 items or packages for the evening’s silent auction, raising thousands of dollars for the department. Ball and banquet organizer Janice VanGorder did not have the final total available at press time.

Part-time firefighter Jon Bankert of Zionsville bid on a flashlight and battery package, among other items. Like nearly everyone at the ball, he was all smiles as he bid on items between the dinner and awards ceremony.

“It’s a lot of fun, but I’m on duty tonight. It’ll be a lot more fun next year when I’m not on duty,” Bankert joked.