Members of the Noblesville Fire Department (NFD), Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear, members of the Common Council, Fire Department Merit Commission and other guests gathered for the fifth annual Noblesville Fire Fighters Awards and Recognition Banquet on Saturday, April 21. The following individuals were recognized for their service to the community and the department:
Certificates of Recognition
David Hiday, owner of Express Wrecker Service, has been a huge asset to NFD. He has provided the Training Division and the Technical Rescue Team with numerous vehicles for extrication scenarios. Mr. Hiday has opened his own facility for NFD’s use and assisted the department by constantly moving vehicles during training. Mr. Hiday’s knowledge and professionalism is obvious on any scene and he is always willing to help when needed.
Mike Mast has been helping numerous citizens of the Noblesville community by ensuring that they have plenty of food to eat. Mike gets up early every morning and drives to several grocery stores where he picks up food that will soon be thrown away due to upcoming “best by” and “sell by” dates. Mike then takes that food to local organizations such as Noblesville Township Trustee, VFW and American Legion where they can distribute that food to people in need. Mike does this seven days a week for several hours each day.
EMS Provider of the Year
Eric Harris (center), an engineer and paramedic, received the EMS Provider of the Year Award. He is pictured with Mayor John Ditslear (left) and NFD Chief Greg Wyant. (Photo provided)
Engineer Eric Harris has 10 years of experience as a paramedic. His 10 years of experience allows him to mentor newer paramedics assigned to his station, where he excels in demonstrating to them the proper use of protocols, EMS procedures, report writing, command presence on scene and professional demeanor with patients. He is a mentor and leads by example in every aspect of EMS. He sets the standard for what he expects on scene with new EMTs assigned to his station who do not normally work there by explaining his expectations. He treats all patients like they are his family, guiding them to the best medical decision that fits their injury or illness.
Firefighter of the Year
Paramedic Seth Jones he has become a part of every specialized Team NFD offers – HAZMAT Team, Technical Rescue Team and Dive Team. He has given countless hours to the Training Division by building numerous fire flow path simulation houses. He is always looking for new ways to better himself and others. He is always eager and willing to train on any topic whether it be EMS or Fire related. He is a true professional in every sense of the word. He is looked up to by fellow paramedics and his knowledge and willingness to improve shows his dedication to the job.
Seth Jones (center), a paramedic, received the Firefighter of the Year Award. He is pictured with Mayor John Ditslear (left) and NFD Chief Greg Wyant. (Photo provided)
Kenneth L. Gilliam Leadership Award
Battalion Chief Adam Biddle is a true professional who always remains calm and successfully manages any incident or difficult situation. By continually honing his skills, gaining knowledge and sharing that knowledge with others, he demonstrates that a true leader never stops learning and helping others. The monthly officer training he implemented for your crew is a good example of how he helps others continue to learn. His willingness to discuss and analyze any situation with others and offer advice when needed is appreciated. He continues to be an excellent example to others and an asset to NFD.