2019 Promotion & Award Ceremony Recognizes Exceptional Employees, Milestones in Service

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The Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District held our 2019 Promotion and Awards Ceremony on Wednesday at the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District. This ceremony recognized employees for career milestones such as years of service, promotions, and retirement. Chief Robert DiLallo also highlighted employees who went beyond their call of service in 2019 with Special Recognition certificates, Phoenix Awards, the Employee Performance Award, and the Firefighter of the Year Award. 

Celebrating Service Milestones:
10 Years: Firefighter Gary Kruse, Jr., Engineer Tony Overbee, Firefighter Jeffrey Palmer. 
15 Years: Firefighter Frank Alvarez, Battalion Chief Lance Delgado, Battalion Chief Chad Ketron, Engineer Victor Langarica, IT Administrator Tim Mace, Firefighter Michael Pernal, Administrative Assistant II Janis Williams. 
20 Years: Billing Specialist Vanessa Koza​
30 Years: Battalion Chief Tim Christensen 

Celebrating Promotions:
Lieutenant Tanner Mack, Lieutenant Lisa VanderMeulen, Engineer Andres Albert, Engineer Robert Hanna, Jr., and Engineer Adam Sherman. 

Celebrating Retirements:
Firefighter William Welch was hired with our organization on November 29, 1993. Firefighter Welch has mentored many of today’s senior firefighters and new employees. He leaves us for retirement after 26 years of service to the citizens of our community.
Battalion Chief Tim Christensen was hired with our organization on October 15, 1989. He was one of the department’s original Battalion Chiefs back when the position was first created. He has been a co-worker, friend, and mentor to many members in our organization and is retiring with 30 years of service to the citizens of our community.

Special Recognition Awards:

Firefighter Maury Morejon – Clips for Cancer
According to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, 43 kids a day are diagnosed with cancer. Always a devastating and unexpected diagnosis, it usually results in months or even years of treatment. Seeking a way to make a difference in the lives of these children, Maury participated in Clips for Cancer, a fundraising event hosted by Golisano Children’s Hospital during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Maury had his head shaved by a pediatric cancer survivor during the event, raising funds and awareness for the cause. He stayed smiling – even when almost losing an eyebrow as well! His involvement in this event is an excellent reflection of our core values here at Lehigh Acres.

Engineer Richard Rodriguez – Engine Committee
In addition to the great work our personnel does in the community, it is important to also recognize the difference many of our employees make internally by going the extra mile on projects and mentoring. Throughout 2019 Engineer Rodriguez volunteered his time and effort on the engine committee, conducting research before the purchasing and design process to make our vehicles mechanically better and safer for use. 

Firefighter Sarah Goldstein – Pink Heals
This past October heads turned when pink fire trucks rolled into Lehigh Acres. The trucks were part of a neighborhood visit from Pink Heals - a program that partners with Public Safety, local businesses, and families to bring a community together to make the art of giving personal again.  Throughout October, Sarah organized the selling of Lehigh Acres Fire Department Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirts, presenting the proceeds to the Pink Heals Organization. Pink Heals help keep fundraising dollars local, using the color pink to represent women and their families, not a specific disease. The visit from the Pink Heals fire truck provides local, public support to a person “in need of a lift”. Sarah is recognized for making the art of giving personal to our community. 

Employee Performance Award: Mechanic Jeffrey Copping
Jeffrey Copping started his career with our organization on October 19, 2015.  Since this time, he has shown to be a true asset for the department. Jeff is truly is a team player and has a positive attitude that he shares within the Logistics Division and the entire department. Jeff is very productive and goes beyond what is expected of him, taking on extra projects to assist the organization and to keep it moving forward. Jeff always shows confidence in his work and is very patient when explaining detailed information to vendors, coworkers or even a resident that may stop by with questions. Jeff is described by coworkers as an ideal employee to work with.

Firefighter of the Year: Field Training Officer (FTO) Byrne Gribbin
Byrne Gribbin started his career with our organization on August 8, 2016, and quickly promoted to Field Training Officer for C-Shift on December 17, 2017.  Byrne is a true leader and a mentor in our organization, who cares about everyone he credentials. Byrne is always willing to train and enjoys sharing his knowledge. Byrne is a team player on-scene and in the classroom. Byrne works well with all members of the District and is recognized by his coworkers for his outstanding service.

Phoenix Awards: 
(presented to personnel who have performed lifesaving treatments to patients in cardiac arrest)
January 21, 2019; Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle Alva, Firefighter/EMT Raul Villapanda​, Lieutenant Arturo Perez, Firefighter/Paramedic Mario Santana, Firefighter/Paramedic​ Abner Adorno.
March 12, 2019; Firefighter/Paramedic William Pappas, Firefighter/EMT Devin Amoroso, Firefighter/EMT David Sabiston​, Firefighter/EMT Gary Kruse, Jr., Retired Engineer Eddie Schreier​, Student William Johnson (San Carlos Park FD).
July 30, 2019; Firefighter/Paramedic​ Maury Morejon​, Firefighter/EMT Ryan Cerone​, Firefighter/EMT Ezra Soto, Engineer Christopher Schaefer, Lieutenant Jeff Brady.
August 17, 2019; Firefighter/Paramedic​ Julio Lalondriz​, Firefighter/EMT Lindsay Rodriguez, Lieutenant Lisa VanderMeulen, Firefighter/Paramedic​ Alexander Roessler​, Engineer Troy VanDyck.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Robert DiLallo stated "It is an honor to lead this fantastic group of men and women, who embody our department's core values each and every day as they serve the Lehigh Acres community. As we reflect on last year's accomplishments we also look forward to continuing to serve the growing community of Lehigh Acres."