Keirn Is 'Fireman Of The Year' At Winona

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Staff Report-

WINONA LAKE - N. Bruce Howe, chief emeritus of the WInona Lake Fire Department, was honored with Indiana's highest civilian award Saturday.

Jack Keirn, a 23-year veteran, was recognized as the Fireman of the year. His dedication and unselfish use of personal equipment in times of need were considerations in his award.

On behalf of Gov. Joseph Kernan, State FIre Marshall Tracy Boatright presented Howe with the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash award during the department's annual Christmas banquet held in the Westminster.

As stated in Kernan's proclamation, Howe is recognized as being "distinguished by his humanity in living, his loyalty in friendship, his wisdom in council and his inspiration in leadership." Howe has actively served the Winona Lake Fire Department and the Kosciusko County Firemen's Association for 65 years. His dedication, participation and generosity in a broad scope of community services were cited as additional reasons for the award. Jeff Carroll of the Winona Lake Town Council also thanked Howe for his service to the community and presented him with a plaque to honor his service to the community.

Roger Gelbaugh, chief of the Winona Lake Fire Department, presented additional awards to firefighters.

Ed Ksiezpolski, an 18-year veteran and emergency medical technician, received the prized department's Service Award. His commitment to teaching and the health and safety of his fellow firefighters were considerations in his award.

Other presentations of the evening included "Atta Boy" awards to Howe, retired chief Bob Wulliman and Richard "Cap" Sullivan. Wulliman also was recognized for 45 years of service to the department.

Rich Peterson received a Chief's Award for exemplary dedication. Mike Raymer was given a shadow box of memorabilia to mark his retirement as captain. Todd Kohler received the Training Award. A 15-year service pin was presented to Chaplain Rick Glass. A 10-year pin was given to Tony Oler along with a department jacket, and five year pins were presented to Lt. Kevin Bell, John Conley and Rick Shepherd. For his first year as a member, Chad Harter was awarded a department jacket. [[In-content Ad]]

WINONA LAKE - N. Bruce Howe, chief emeritus of the WInona Lake Fire Department, was honored with Indiana's highest civilian award Saturday.

Jack Keirn, a 23-year veteran, was recognized as the Fireman of the year. His dedication and unselfish use of personal equipment in times of need were considerations in his award.

On behalf of Gov. Joseph Kernan, State FIre Marshall Tracy Boatright presented Howe with the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash award during the department's annual Christmas banquet held in the Westminster.

As stated in Kernan's proclamation, Howe is recognized as being "distinguished by his humanity in living, his loyalty in friendship, his wisdom in council and his inspiration in leadership." Howe has actively served the Winona Lake Fire Department and the Kosciusko County Firemen's Association for 65 years. His dedication, participation and generosity in a broad scope of community services were cited as additional reasons for the award. Jeff Carroll of the Winona Lake Town Council also thanked Howe for his service to the community and presented him with a plaque to honor his service to the community.

Roger Gelbaugh, chief of the Winona Lake Fire Department, presented additional awards to firefighters.

Ed Ksiezpolski, an 18-year veteran and emergency medical technician, received the prized department's Service Award. His commitment to teaching and the health and safety of his fellow firefighters were considerations in his award.

Other presentations of the evening included "Atta Boy" awards to Howe, retired chief Bob Wulliman and Richard "Cap" Sullivan. Wulliman also was recognized for 45 years of service to the department.

Rich Peterson received a Chief's Award for exemplary dedication. Mike Raymer was given a shadow box of memorabilia to mark his retirement as captain. Todd Kohler received the Training Award. A 15-year service pin was presented to Chaplain Rick Glass. A 10-year pin was given to Tony Oler along with a department jacket, and five year pins were presented to Lt. Kevin Bell, John Conley and Rick Shepherd. For his first year as a member, Chad Harter was awarded a department jacket. [[In-content Ad]]

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