Watertown Fire Rescue Honors Top Personnel at Annual Awards Banquet

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown Fire Rescue (WFR) team gathered on January 23 to recognize the dedication, professionalism, and selfless service of its members at the department’s annual awards banquet.

The evening served as a celebration of the department’s accomplishments over the past year, highlighting specific life-saving actions and general excellence in emergency response.

Department leadership noted that the awards represent “countless hours of training, preparation, and sacrifice often carried out quietly, without expectation of recognition.”

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the annual departmental awards.

These honors are unique in that they are voted on directly by the staff of WFR, representing recognition from the peers who serve alongside the recipients in the field.

The following members were recognized for their outstanding contributions:

·        Employee of the Year: Paramedic/Firefighter Tyler Gorrell

·        Firefighter of the Year: Paramedic/Firefighter Nathan Murphy

·        Paramedic of the Year: Paramedic/Firefighter Blaine Marlow II

·        Officer of the Year: Lieutenant Cam Mack

·        Mentor of the Year: Fire Apparatus Operator Tanner Sittig

·        Distinguished Service Award: Assistant Chief Scott Jongbloed

·        Overtime King: Paramedic/Firefighter Isaiah Hall

In a statement following the event, the department expressed deep appreciation for the entire team.

“We are incredibly proud of the men and women who serve our community with integrity and courage every day,” the department stated. “Thank you to our firefighters, EMS personnel, support staff, and their families for the unwavering support that makes this service possible.”