CEDAR HAMMOCK FIRE RESCUE ANNOUNCES 2015 EMPLOYEE AWARDS

Fire Chief Jeffrey Hoyle announced the recipients of several awards at Cedar Hammock’s annual employee appreciation dinner held December 4, 2015.

Firefighter Mike Dunn from A-shift took honors as Firefighter of the Year for his efforts in developing “Your Life Matters” program which provides resource assistance to people with chemical dependence. The program has received local, state, and national accolades.

Captain Steve LaPlante was selected as Fire Officer of the Year. Steve led Cedar Hammock’s MDA Boot Drive raising a record $7,082.

Staff Employee of the Year went to Captain Nick Herlihy for his continued excellence in training.

Exceptional Duty Award was presented to Office Administrator Tammy Hager.

Commissioner Steve Litschauer was recognized for his leadership for the past year as Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners for Cedar Hammock.

Special recognition went out to Inspector Diane Chrzanowski for her 28 years of service to Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue and the Fire Service. Inspector Chrzanowski officially retired on December 9, 2015.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LIEUTENANT BILLY SMITH!   HE GRADUATED SUMMA CUM LAUDE FROM ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE WITH A BACHELORS OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN PUBLIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION.

DIANE CHRZANOWSKI RETIRES WITH 28 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CEDAR HAMMOCK FIRE RESCUE COMMUNITY

MANATEE COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Inspector Diane Chrzanowski also known by her fellow firefighters as “Ski” was brought home by the members of B Shift.   Ski was a member of B Shift prior to her assignment in Fire Prevention.   Pictured above are:  Front Row:  Firefighter Justin Rudrud, Ski, Battalion Chief Sam Collier.   Back Row:  Firefighter Jon Kropp and Captain Billy Whitfield.

SERVICE AWARDS PRESENTED TO THE LIGHT TECHNICAL RESCUE TEAM AT THE NOVEMBER 2015 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Chief Jeff Hoyle recognized the following firefighters for their dedicated service on

LIGHT TECHNICAL RESCUE TEAM 644:

Lieutenant Billy Smith – 10 years 

Lieutenant Doug Brett – 10 years

Firefighter Ben Anderson – 5 years

Captain Nick Herlihy – 10 years

Firefighter Keith Ferguson – 10 years

Firefighter Paul Reda – 10 years

 

AWARDS AND PROMOTION ANNOUNCED AT OCTOBER 2015 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Chief Jeff Hoyle recognized Firefighter Mike Dunn for receiving the Life Preservation Award from Congressman Vern Buchanan at the Congressional Fire, Rescue and EMS Awards Ceremony held on October 5, 2015.

Chief Hoyle presented a Notable Outstanding Award (NOW) Award to Firefighter Ben Anderson for his “Continued excellence in Water Rescue Training, service to Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue, and the citizens we serve.”

Chief Hoyle also announced the promotion of Administrative Secretary Tammy Hager to Office Administrator.

CEDAR HAMMOCK HOSTS CHILD SAFETY SEAT CHECK

On Saturday September 19^th, Cedar Hammock hosted a child seat check up event.  This event coincides with an annual event called Seat Check Saturday which is at the end of Child Safety Week.  During this event, trained technicians ensured that the participants child seats were properly installed in their vehicle.  Each of the participants were taught the safest way to transport their children and also how to properly install the child seat themselves.  During this event, Firefighter Paul Reda, Firefighter AJ Dudley and Firefighter Adam Chrisman assisted members of our community with properly installing their child seats.  Some participants were able to receive a new child seat for a small donation instead of buying a new one at full price.  After this event, 5 children from our community are now traveling safer since they came to the event.

 

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK 2015

Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue (CHFR) participated in this year’s fire prevention week with a theme of “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep”.  CHFR spoke to the third grade classes at Prine Elementary, Bayshore Elementary and Orange Ridge Elementary.  The students learned about fire safety in the home and the importance of smoke alarms.  CHFR also visited multiple day cares in the district where the children had the opportunity to see the firefighters in their gear and sit in the fire engines. 

 

 

 

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan honors Cedar Hammock Firefighter Mike Dunn 

Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, honored the winners of the 16th Congressional District Fire and Rescue and Emergency Medical Services Awards on Monday,      October 5, 2015.

Buchanan established the awards to recognize fire and rescue and EMS personnel who have provided distinguished service.

“As first responders, fire departments and emergency medical service teams are summoned on short notice to serve their respective communities,” Buchanan said. “Oftentimes, they arrive at scenes of great adversity and trauma, to which they reliably bring strength and composure. These brave men and women spend hundreds of hours in training so that they are prepared when they get `the call.’ I believe these awards are a fitting tribute to our first responders and a reminder of the important role they play in our communities.”

Among the winners was Mike Dunn, a firefighter with Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue who developed the Your Life Matters card that first responders keep on hand to give to addicts after they recover from an overdose. Heroin overdoses have been particularly prevalent as deaths continue to climb. Dunn has said he had the idea for the cards because he wanted to offer addicts information about where they could get help.

Mike Dunn was presented the Preservation of Life Award.

CEDAR HAMMOCK FIRE RESCUE COLLECTS OVER $7000.00 FOR MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION AT THEIR 2015 BOOT DRIVE .

 

Chelsea Rollinger, Fundraising Coordinator with Muscular Dystrophy Assocation says the MDA Boot Drive is the largest source of income for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Firefighters have raised over 558 million dollars in the 61 years of the Boot Drive.  Captain Steve LaPlante coordinated the Boot Drive this year and was proud to present a check for the amount raised totaling $7,082.77 to MDA. Chief Hoyle presented Captain LaPlante with a NOW Award for his dedication and management of the 2015 MDA Boot Drive. Captain LaPlante thanked all the firefighters for their help and dedication at this years boot drive.

 

CONGRATULATIONS FIREFIGHTER KEITH FERGUSON!  HE RECEIVED THE GOLD MEDAL IN CYCLING AT THE 2015 FLORIDA FIRST RESPONDER GAMES.  

 

CEDAR HAMMOCK FIREFIGHTERS HONORED ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 AT A FIRST RESPONDER LUNCHEON HOSTED BY THE RESIDENTS AND STAFF AT THE WINDSOR OF BRADENTON

CEDAR HAMMOCK FIRE RESCUE VICTORIOUS AT

THE WAWA HOAGIE BUILDING COMPETITION

Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue participated in the Hoagies For Heroes competition at the Wawa’s Grand Opening on August 20, 2015, located at 5306 14th Street West.   Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Department were challenged to see who could build the most hoagies in three minutes in the traditional “Wawa way”.   Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue was the big winner and received bragging rights and a trophy, however both teams received a check from Wawa toward the charity of their choice.   Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue chose the Manatee Substance Abuse Coalition and a check for $1000 will be awarded to them for CHFR’s win.

 

BACK TO SCHOOL 2015

Church of the Cross sponsored a Back To School Backpack Drive for Bayshore Elementary students, and Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue employees were excited to help with donations to purchase backpacks and school supplies.   These donations help many students in need with the tools they need to succeed.

Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue also had their Engines out at Prine Elementary, Orange Ridge Elementary and Bayshore Elementary on the first day of school to remind everyone to slow down and be aware school is back in session

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING – AUGUST 13, 2015

Firefighter Nate Axness was recognized for achieving the rank of 2nd Class Firefighter.

 

A BIG thank you to Hope Lutheran Church in providing dinner once a month to the firefighters.   Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Anola Krueske, Phyllis Ferry, and Diane Burnett who use their talents to prepare these delicious meals.   Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue thanks Hope Lutheran Church and these wonderful ladies for their kindness!

Captain Jonathan “Ed” Shumaker was honored for his 31 years of dedicated service to Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue.  Captain Shumaker retired on June 30, 2015.

Pictured (L to R) alongside the fire engine Cedar Hammock donated to Manatee Technical College are MTC fire science lead instructor Steve Trompke, Fire Science Coordinator Henry Sheffield,  Cedar Hammock Fire Division Chiefs Alex Lobeto and Mike DeChelbor, Charlie Kennedy, Bob Gause, Dr. Diana Greene, Karen Carpenter, David Miner, Cedar Hammock Fire Chief Jeff Hoyle, and Cedar Hammock Fire Commissioner Tom Flynn.

Cedar Hammock and North River Fire donate equipment to MTC

 

(Bradenton, FL—July 29, 2015)  Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue donated a fire engine and North River Fire District donated a computer-operated driving simulator to the Manatee School District at the July 28 board meeting for use by Manatee Technical College.

Doug Wagner, Director of Adult Career and Technical Education and Manatee Technical College, and Henry Sheffield, Coordinator of MTC’s Fire Science programs, recognized Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue and North River Fire District during the meeting.  “They were very generous donations,” said Wagner.  “It is industry support like this that makes MTC so great.”

Cedar Hammock’s board voted to donate the 1995 Pierce Sabre Fire Engine to the school after they bought two new ones.  The computerized Pierce engine replaces a 1976 Mack fire engine at MTC.

North River donated a computer-operated driving simulator that simulates driving fire trucks, ambulances and buses.  MTC will use the simulator in both its Fire Science and Emergency Medical programs.  The School District plans to use the simulator for bus driver training.

“We are going to be able to train our fire fighters and emergency drivers with state-of-the-art equipment,” said Sheffield, referring to both the engine and the simulator.  “We will be able to train in a non-risk environment on that simulator.”

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE OUTSTANDING FIREFIGHTERS 
ARON KALOOSTIAN AND GARRETT LINDGREN WERE PROMOTED TO SECOND CLASS FIREFIGHTER AT OUR JULY 2015 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING.

CONGRATULATIONS TO  CAPTAIN ED SHUMAKER ON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER

SERVING THE CEDAR HAMMOCK FIRE RESCUE COMMUNITY FOR 31 YEARS!

MANATEE COUNTY ECC RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT  ( Double click on the left side of the bar to play this announcement)

 

BUSY MONTH FOR CEDAR HAMMOCK FIRE RESCUE

On June 11, 2015, Cedar Hammock Fire Chief Jeffrey S. Hoyle brought on two new firefighters, Erik Lindberg and Wade Hudson at the June Board of Fire Commission meeting.  Firefighter Zeke Eckersen was also honored at the meeting for his 27 years of service with Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue.  Zeke retired May 15, 2015.

Chief Hoyle presented Division Chief Mike DeChelbor with an award for his planning and leadership in the purchase of two new Pierce Impel Engines which were placed in service that evening.  Pastor Stan Pavkovich lead prayers before the two rigs were christened by an exchange of tank water from the replacement engines and both rigs were “pushed” into their bays as tradition warranted.

Other awards presented that evening were for the Engine Specification Committee comprised of Captain Steve LaPlante, Lieutenants Ryan French and Matt Jones, and Firefighters James Taylor and Bobby Wadsworth.

Chief Hoyle also promoted Lieutenant Joe Falcone to Captain and Firefight Ryan French to Lieutenant.

Photos by Tammy Hager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015 Brotherhood Ride honoring 10 fallen first responders in Florida
By: Krystel Knowles
Posted: 6:53 PM, Jun 7, 2015
http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-sarasota-manatee/bradenton/2015-brotherhood-ride-honoring-10-fallen-first-responders-in-florida-brothe

The ride will stretch across the state starting in Naples on June 6^th and ending in Tallahassee on June 13^th. The non-profit Brotherhood organization consists of firefighters, police officers and EMS personnel.
Around 30 cyclist from The Brotherhood Ride 2015 are traveling 650 miles making  overnight stops in North Port, Tarpon Springs, Brooksville, Orlando, Palm Coast, Jacksonville, Live Oak and Tallahassee. These cyclist ride an average of 80 to 100 miles a day, even through tough weather conditions like extreme heat, rain, lightning and high winds.
Lt. Jeff Morse founded The Brotherhood seven years ago, as a way to remember his brothers and sisters who lost their life in the line of duty and to help their families deal with their loss. So far, they’ve donated $248,000 to the families left behind.
“We are here for one reason and one reason only, to honor the people we’ve lost,” said Lt. Morse.
Every year, the procession on cyclist route is changed depending on the Fallen Heroes city and state. Past Brotherhood Rides include Charleston, SC in 2008; Florida in 2009; Houston, TX in 2010; New York City in 2011; Florida in 2012; Tennessee in 2013 and both Florida and Texas in 2014.
Lt. Morse says he’s grateful to ride next to so many inspirational people.
“We couldn’t do this without our fellow firefighters and police officers in the streets keeping us safe as we go down the road,” explains Lt. Morse. “And it’s great to see them alongside of us.”
To help support The Brotherhood go to www.brotherhoodride.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO ZEKE ECKERSEN ON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER

SERVING THE CEDAR HAMMOCK FIRE RESCUE COMMUNITY FOR 27 YEARS!

 

MANATEE COUNTY ECC RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT  (Click on the left side of the bar to play this announcement)

I would like to send out a BIG ” Thank You “ to everyone about my Retirement. You don’t know how much it means to me , every hand shake, and every hug, I will forever cherish!  WOW…. 27 years!  When they say time flies, that is an under statement, but I know that I will always have my Cedar Hammock family and I will always be around. It’s hard to walk away but I’m leaving nothing on the table, I’ve accomplished so many things with C.H.F.R. and very proud of my career.  In closing , my Brothers and Sisters , please be safe and  have NO regrets !!!
With the Best regards, and feeling blessed…
Zeke Eckersen

2015 FLORIDA FIREFIGHTER GAMES

Congratulations to Lt. Mike Soper, Lt. Matt Rose, Firefighter Keith Ferguson, and Firefighter Chad Eibner for representing Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue at the 2015 Florida Firefighter Games mountain bike race!

The event was held at Alafia State Park which has one of the nation’s best mountain bike venues. https://www.imba.com/epics/alafia-river-epic

Team CHFR took second place in the single department relay and 4^th overall.  12 other departments participated in this event from across the state.  As this was Lt. Soper, Lt. Rose, and Firefighter Eibner’s first race, the event and placing second added to the accomplishment.

Congratulations to mountain bike veteran Firefighter Ferguson who received a bronze (third) medal in the individual over 40 event!

Commission Meeting April 9, 2015 – Special Presentations/Promotion

Special Recognition to Winn Dixie for their support at our Open House on March 7, 2015.
Pictured:  Fire Marshal Eric Center, Laura Sturdivant and Butch Demont from Winn Dixie, Fire Chief Jeff Hoyle

Special Appreciation to Church on the Cross for their support with our Open House on March 7, 2015.
Pictured:  Fire Marshal Eric Center, Pastor Stan Pavkovich, and Fire Chief Jeff Hoyle.

Congratulations to Randall Fowler on his promotion to Second Class Firefighter.
Pictured;  Battalion Chief Mark Bandstra, Firefighter Randall Fowler, and Fire Chief Jeff Hoyle

CONGRATULATIONS TO BRANT GOMEZ  WHO WAS PROMOTED IN MARCH TO SECOND CLASS FIREFIGHTER

MARCH 27, 2015 Bradenton, Florida Winn-Dixie stores team up with local fire and rescue for open house http://www.communications.winndixie.com/Pages/Newsletter.aspx?ItemID=568 area Winn-Dixie Nos. 656, 660 and 2404 came together to provide food and drinks for the Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue’s second annual open house event.   Winn-Dixie store Nos. 2404, 656, and 660 in Bradenton, Florida came together to help their local fire department, Cedar Hammock Fire-Rescue, with its second annual open house event. The fire department welcomed more than 900 people to the firehouse and training center for an informational event for children of local schools and their families. Laura Sturdivant, director of Winn-Dixie No. 2404, donated food to the fire department for its first open house event while she was at a store where she previously worked, No. 656. When she moved to No. 2404, the fire department came to her again for their second event – but this time she wanted Winn-Dixie to be a bigger participant. “I developed a good relationship with Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue, so when I moved to a different store, they came back to me,” said Sturdivant. “For this year’s event, I brought in the other area Winn-Dixie stores and we set up tables and cooked the hot dogs ourselves. We had several associates from all three stores help out.” Flowers Baking Company of Bradenton donated the buns and Frito-Lay contributed chips, Sturdivant said. Winn-Dixie also donated water and Chek Soda. The associates set up a prize wheel with giveaways, including street chalk, Snuggies and duffle bags. The fire department set up demonstrations with the “jaws of life” and fire hoses, and had a helicopter fly in and land onsite. This was the first time Winn-Dixie No. 660 Director Butch DeMonte teamed up with Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue, and he hopes to build a stronger relationship. “Partnerships with local organizations, especially those with a strong focus on community, are very important,” said DeMonte. “When Winn-Dixie shows its support for these organizations and participate in their events, people notice that, and their view of Winn-Dixie is positive as a result.” Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue welcomed more than 900 people to their second annual event, where they did several demonstrations, including one with the “jaws of life.”

CEDAR HAMMOCK FIRE RESCUE MEMBERS FROM LIGHT TECHNICAL RESCUE TEAM #644 RECEIVE CITATION MEDALS.

On June 27, 2014, North River Fire District responded to a call during a severe weather event of a tree collapsed on a structure with one patient trapped.  Technical Rescue Response teams were requested to assist. 5 members of  Manatee County’s Light Technical Rescue Team #644 (members include Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue, West Manatee Fire Rescue and Southern Manatee Fire Rescue) and 3 members of the City of Bradenton’s Light Technical Rescue Team #419 responded.
A tunnel was made into the structure and the patient was found in the center with heavy debris around their head and neck.  It took crews 46 minutes to remove debris, stabilize the structure, and safely remove the patient.  The patient was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.   There were no injuries to rescue personnel.
The Manatee County Fire Chief’s Association awarded Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue Captain Nick Herlihy, Lieutenant Doug Brett and Firefighter Ben Anderson with a Unit Citation Medal for their part in this life saving rescue as members of the Manatee County Light Technical Rescue Team #644.

Receiving  Citation Awards:  (L to R)  Captain Nick Herlihy, Lieutenant Doug Brett, and Firefighter Ben Anderson.  Also pictured:  Chief Jeff Hoyle.





 CEDAR HAMMOCK FIRE RESCUE 2015 OPEN HOUSE
The Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue  2015 Open House  took place on Saturday March 7 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.   Citizens came out to learn about fire safety, better understand the many different services the department offers to the community, and to see some of the day to day operations and equipment used to keep the citizens in our community safe.  The events during the open house included a live fire demonstration, fire sprinkler presentation, Bayflight Trauma Helicopter, vehicle extrication, inflatable fire safety bounce house, junior firefighter combat challenge, bicycle rodeo, and  included many other community participants.