Stewart named ‘Responder of the Year’

WASILLA — The Central Mat-Su Fire Department held its annual awards ceremony March 31 at Station 51. The awards are for responders that go above and beyond their duties as paid on call personnel, and other recognition for individuals who contribute to the success of the department. Chief James Steele recognized the most important individuals and those are the responder’s spouses and children who lend their mom or dad to the community to respond to emergencies at all hours of the day and night. Without this sacrifice the system currently in place would fail.

Other recognized individuals included the following:

Fire Department Auxiliary — Lee Hutchens-Kerr, Carol Kula, Cathy Garrick Karen Alden, Jim and Jo Eakin, Sherry Dimick, Sheryl Wagner, Stephanie Udy, Theresa Elliott, Taunnie Boothby, Mary Newcomb, Sam Coberly.

Most Valuable Explorer — Jimmy Keene

Most improved Firefighter — Katrina Knowlton

Most Valuable Firefighter — Chris Hanson

Most Valuable Engineer — Don Thomson

Most Valuable Lieutenant — Norm Wagner

Most Valuable Captain — Adam Schou

Responder of the Year — Jessica Stewart

Mahlon Greene and Ken Barkely were recognized for their contributions during the last 20 plus years they have both given to the CMS Fire Department, Greene recently took the Fire Chief Job in Caswell, and Barkley move to the Assistant Fire Director position for the Borough.

There was a Flag Presentation from Major Ernest M. Ibanga, 2D Engineer Brigade Chaplin of the United States Army, Fort Richardson. The flag was flown in Afghanistan and dedicated to the Central Mat-Su Emergency responders.

Approximately 125 people were in attendance, including assembly members Dan Mayfield, Jim Sykes, and Mat-Su Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss.