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RECOGNITION OF EMPLOYEE ACHIEVEMENT FOR GREG SCHUSSLER (SCEMS), CHIEF GARY CURMODE, DEPUTY CHIEF RICK BRAZILL, DIVISION CHIEFS CARL COX, EDDIE FAJARDO, AND CAPTAIN KEITH WILSON (SCFD#1).
Presented by: Bob Lamkey, Director of Public Safety.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and File.
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Sedgwick County has many, many exemplary performers who contribute not only to our community at large, but to their peers and profession as well. Recently, several have been recognized for their achievements and contributions by significant organizations outside of our own. It is appropriate to acknowledge those achievements before you and the community they serve in this setting.
Greg Schussler of Sedgwick County EMS was recognized by the Kansas Emergency Medical Services Association (KEMSA) with the KEMSA Presidential Leadership Award at their recently held annual conference. The award is given annually by the President to a KEMSA member that has significantly strengthened the organization and who has exemplary provided leadership in service to KEMSA and his home service. Greg has worked tirelessly in support of KEMSA initiatives, organizing key aspects of conferences and ensuring that the logistics needs of SCEMS crews are met in support of quality patient care.
Chief Gary Curmode was recognized and surprised at the recent International Association of Fire Chief's Convention with the first ever Ambassador of the Year Award from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) at the Center’s 11th annual awards ceremony held in Chicago as part of the convention. CPSE is the accrediting body for the fire service organizations. It oversees a rigorous process for departmental accreditation and an equally demanding process for awarding professional designations to individuals. The Ambassador Award is designed to recognize the individual(s) whose dedication and advocacy for the Center for Public Safety Excellence and its programs contribute directly to the success of the organization and the advancement of its mission throughout the international fire and emergency services industry. As a result of Chief Curmode’s efforts as a CPSE Ambassador, the leaders and agencies serving our communities across the nation are better prepared, and their communities are safer places.
The Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation recognizes senior fire officers who have demonstrated through deed, experience and education that they have the broad skills and knowledge to succeed and excel as a chief officer. Today's chief is expected to be more than an operational expert, they need to be knowledgeable in strategic planning, human resource management, budgeting and financial management and be continuous learners--in short, well rounded leaders. The CFO designation is also not a "one time and you got it" achievement. After initial award, candidates must continue to demonstrate professional growth and competence to retain it. CPSE formally recognizes the relatively few who meet the standard each year. Deputy Chief Rick Brazill was awarded his initial designation this year, Division Chief Eddie Fajardo received his second term, Division Chief Carl Cox received his 3rd term and Chief Curmode his 4th term designation. Chief Curmode also earned his initial Chief Medical Officer (CMO) designation.
Captain Keith Wilson was recognized at the International Association of Fire Fighter's Convention in San Diego for exceptional service and fidelity to Local IAFF 2612 (our SCFD local) while Secretary-Treasurer and was further honored with a 4000 person standing ovation for his military commitment as he readies to deploy in harm's way in support of our Nation. Next week Kansas Army Guardsman Sgt Wilson will deploy for approximately 18 months on his second tour of duty to Iraq. Keith was most deservedly promoted to the rank of SCFD Captain in February of this year.
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