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January 10, 2005
Holly Smith
Asst. Community Information DirectorLOUANN RIDGELY NAMED FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR
For the first time in 10 years, a female volunteer firefighter has earned the title as Volusia County Fire Services’ Firefighter of the Year. Louann Ridgely learned of her accomplishment Saturday night at the annual County Fire Services banquet for employees.
“Louann has been a consistent, positive role model and an asset to our organization,” said County Fire Services Director Jim Tauber. “Her long-term commitment to the fire service and the County finally has been recognized.”
The seven-year volunteer firefighter is stationed at County Fire Station 23, 1850 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach.
“Louann is an outstanding example of the professionalism and commitment that all of our volunteers should strive to show,” said County Fire Lt. Bill Henry in his July memo nominating Ridgely for Firefighter of the Quarter. “She always has been an individual the station could count on.”
To be eligible for the annual Fire Services award, firefighters must be named Firefighter of the Quarter. Supervisors nominate firefighters based on contributions and commitment to the organization and County citizens, Tauber said. This includes provisions of service, efforts to receive training and education, and actions that inspire others.
Ridgely, 33, lives in Edgewater.
Other Fire Services staff to earn honors at the annual banquet are:
- Walter Nettles, Award of Excellence
- Charles Kamine, Paramedic of the Year
- George Sotos, Emergency Medical Technician of the Year
- Charles Creech, Firewalker of the Year
- John Texter, Technical Rescue Team Member of the Year
- David Bowland, HazMat Team Member of the Year
- Kenneth Lashmet, Fire Police of the Year
- Rhett Bradley, Staff Member of the Year
- Michael McKinley, Explorer of the Year
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Volusia County, Florida.