Going above and beyond

WORLAND – Several Worland volunteer firefighters were honored for their exemplary service, going above and beyond the call of duty and selflessly working to protect the community Saturday evening, during the Worland Fire Department awards banquet held at the Elks Lodge.

“The awards banquet recognizes Worland volunteer firefighters for their hard work over the past year. It gives them an opportunity to reflect over the past year, what occurred and their goals for the current year. It allows us to show our appreciation for the hours our volunteers have put in,” Worland Fire Department Chief Chris Kocher said.

Kocher said that the individual firefighters who received awards were not nominated by him, the officers or the fire district board but by their firefighting peers. He stated that each firefighter submitted a nomination with a short description of why the firefighter nominated deserved the award.

Captain Erich Berryman received the firefighter of the year award. Kocher said that Berryman has worked with the fire department since May 2000 and this year worked 595 hours. “Erich works to take care of the crews whether it be making sure they have what they need to assist with training or leading assigned crews whether it be wildland or structural assignments. Erich is always there and works to be the best firefighter he can be,” Kocher said.

Berryman humbly stated that firefighting is his passion, a passion handed down to him by his grandpa who was a firefighter in Montana. He stated that it was an honor and, “I just try my very best and be here as much as I can to support this department and the volunteers.” This is the fourth time Berryman has earned the firefighter of the year award.

Cadet of the year was awarded to Raelynn Kocher. “That is given out to the cadet that has exceeded the expectations of the department as a cadet. Cadets are between 16-18 years old and they are still in high school. So they have worked very diligently to start to learn the craft of being a firefighter and have put in a significant amount of hours. This year Raelynn had 323 hours,” Chief Kocher said. “Once she turns 18 and has met other requirements she has the ability to move into the fire program from the cadet program,” he added.

Rookie of the year was awarded to Mike McHorse. “Rookie of the year is typically given out to the individual that, they stand out, they go above and beyond during their rookie year and in this case Mike McHorse certainly did that. From the time he got involved with the department he plugged right in and he’s here for what seems to be just about everything. Mike had 329 hours this past year and as he was starting to get to the end of his probation period he even was beginning to help teach some of the newer rookies. We certainly see some leadership within him,” Kocher said.

Bruce Nielson earned both the operator of the year and Spirit of Service award. Kocher explained typically operator of the year is given to an individual who goes above and beyond to make sure all firefighters get to the situation safely. The individual operates the trucks and makes sure the firefighters have all the equipment and water needed. “In Bruce’s case he has achieved both his apparatus operator for pumper and aerial this past year. He has been teaching rookie firefighters basically how to drive, meeting the inspection and practical driving skills required to obtain their CDL(Commercial Driver License). This past year Bruce is six for six on teaching and then the individual passing their CDL on their first shot,” Kocher explained. “Spirit of Service is one of those awards that there is such a broad criteria. Individuals are typically someone that is maybe in the background just making sure everything that they can do gets done. They are very selfless and when something needs done, typically you see their name pop up as somebody who has gotten involved with that. Bruce Nielson certainly would fit that to a T this past year,” he added.

Four new firefighters were sworn in, having finished their probationary period, during the banquet as well. Typically the probationary period is one year. Amber Tibbits, Mike McHorse, Jeff Neal and Zeb Craft completed a year’s worth of training wrapped up into several certifications and obtained their class B CDL to earn their firefighter No. 1 certification, Kocher said.

Kocher stated that Worland Fire Department has a great group of firefighters and is always looking for more. “It’s always very interesting; everybody has a little bit different reason for getting involved with the fire service. Some do it because of legacy of family; some do it because they simply want to give back to the community. Others get involved with it because they see the opportunity for an adrenalin rush. All those are great reasons to get involved with a volunteer fire department. The biggest thing that happens when that occurs is the community has another volunteer to help, be trained and respond in time of need. We are always looking for volunteers to answer that call.”