Fire Rescue welcomes new firefighters, awards veterans

The North Hays County Fire Rescue hosted its annual awards and badge pinning ceremony at the end of February, recognizing almost 50 firefighters across the county.

The annual ceremony was held in Dripping Springs on Saturday, February 26. Sheriff Gary Cutler administered the oath of office to new members and newly promoted members, officially pinning their new badges on their uniform. Additional firefighters were recognized for their achievements, including advanced fire and rescue certifications, service milestones, commendations and life saving awards.

There were over 120 people in attendance including fire department members and their families.

The badges pinned at these ceremonies originate from the Knights of Malta and their predecessor, the Order of St. John, a group formed during the 11th-century crusades to care for the sick and wounded and to safeguard the routes from Europe to the Holy Land, according to Chief Robert R. Rielage, a former Ohio fire marshal.

“Legend tells us that these knights of old from almost a millennium ago, had a creed or belief that their purpose in life was to serve those less fortunate,” Chief Rielage said. “They held that service, honor and integrity… defined the service to others that they performed and we provide today. Every time you pin on your badge, whether to be sworn in as the newest firefighter, or as a veteran firefighter, officer or chief reporting to work, remember the trust it represents and the higher code of conduct we collectively must uphold.”

The respective awards,as well as their recipients, are listed below:

Firefighter of the Year

Franco Rodriguez, Career

Rich Villa, North Hays

VFD

Martin Taylor, Driftwood VFD

Steve Curran, Henly

VFD

Lieutenant Promotions

Steven Fretwell

Josh Peters

Evan Smith

Engineer (Driver) Promotions

Zach Bergh

Darryl Fancher

Corby Kokemoor

Craig Lalonde

Tom Lambrecht

Nick Riley

New Firefighters (Career and Volunteer)

Jener Beauman

Garrett Blumhagen

Roland Brewer

Tim Doyle

Andrew Dunn Sr.

Andrew Dunn Jr.

Brooks Felder

JD Finley

George Godson

Aiden Greene

Avery Hyatt

Paul Janowitz

Robert Johnson

Jordan Joucken

Joel Malave

Christopher Mateja

Christopher Moore

Ryan Moreno

Zach Newcomb

Farrah Quinby

Jesse Ruschiensky

Austin Scoggin

Joanne Stanley

Tyler Trojcak

Tiyanya Weippert

Life Saving Award

Captain Jason Caldwell

Engineer Zach Bergh

Firefighter Rebekah

Wright

Firefighter Weston Sharp

Firefighter Justin Brown

5 Years of Service

Firefighter Mike Eden

Engineer Jonathan Pacheco

Lieutenant Evan Smith

Curtis Dicley Award

Captain Jason Caldwell. This award was presented to Captain Caldwell for his dedicated service to the Fire Department and the community.

Hays County ESD #6 President's Award

Mr. Cleveland O'Brien, owner of O'Brien Propane. This award was presented to Mr. O'Brien for his willingness to provide critical service to the Fire Department during the Winter Storm Disaster of February, 2021.