OFD announces annual awards for 2018

December 5, 2018 | 3:00 am

Updated December 5, 2018 | 9:08 am

The Owensboro Fire Department recognized three of its firefighters for the 2018 Owensboro Fire Department awards at the Dec. 4 Owensboro City Commission meeting on Tuesday. In a room that was nearly overcrowded with family members, friends and supporters–partly due to the awards and partly due to the swearing-in ceremony for both OFD’s and Owensboro Police Department’s new hires–OFD Fire Chief Steve Mitchell told the crowd that the following awards were earned by firefighters who’d gone above and beyond over the past year of their dedicated service to the City of Owensboro.

“As Fire Chief, I believe every member of OFD should be recognized and thankful for their work
and dedication throughout 2018,” Chief Mitchell said. “I am honored to announce these awards
this evening.”

The Fire Officer of the Year award went to Eric Cart, whom Mitchell mentioned had previously been honored as OFD Firefighter of the Year, as well as a previous Cap Gardner award winner. Chief Mitchell said Cart had also been promoted to lieutenant.

For Driver/Operator of the Year, Andy Owen was honored for his dedication and work performance. Chief Mitchell explained that the award could go to a firefighter, an engineer or a driver who takes the wheel on a regular basis.

The Firefighter of the Year award–a coveted award for all fire departments, according to Chief
Mitchell–went to Clayton Tuma for the 2018 year.

Six members of OFD were also honored by Chief Mitchell with merit awards. One firefighter in
particular, Lt. Kyle Veach, was given the spotlight for his bravery in saving lives while off the clock, and Chief Mitchell commended him for his efforts.

“I want to say a little special shoutout,” Chief Mitchell said. “We have a gentleman this year–a lieutenant–that got a merit award for two off-duty lifesaving events, and that is Kyle Veach.”

Other firefighters who earned merit awards for the 2018 year were Lt. Joey Wright, Luke Cecil, Ethan Board, Luke Camp and Brian Roberts. OFD commendations that were issued in 2018 went to Chris York, David Spalding, Chad Johnson, Kevin Lanham, Billy Wilson, James Howard, Patrick Frany, Bobby Grant, Richard Peach, Jason Pickrell, Tim Priar and Shannon Janosa.

December 5, 2018 | 3:00 am

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