ARCATA FIRE NAMES 'FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR'

Arcata Firefighter Daniel Willson was named ‘FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR’ by the Officers of the Department.

 

Firefighter Willson was honored at the annual awards banquet held at Baywood Country Club on Saturday, April 18, 2009. The honors were presented by Volunteer President Tim Citro and Fire Chief John McFarland.

 

Daniel was selected by his supervisors for his diligence in attending training and responding to emergencies. Daniel is well known to the recruits as the seasoned member that always takes time to assist them with remedial training and extra drill practice. Daniel has demonstrated a special compassion for the elderly and less fortunate members of the community experiencing a need for emergency service. Daniel is a member of the Volunteer organization as well as a career Firefighter with the Arcata Fire Protection District. Daniel is a resident sleeper at the Arcata Headquarters Station. Daniel has been a member of Arcata Fire since 2001. Daniel’s name will appear on a perpetual burl plaque at Headquarters.

 

While the Firefighter of the Year is selected by the Officers, the ‘Most Inspirational Members’ were selected by their peers. Two members were selected for this honor by the members.

 

Firefighter Arly Allen was selected as the ‘Most Inspirational Volunteer Member’ for her extreme enthusiasm in encouraging the rest of membership to participate in the many activities of Arcata Fire. Arly frequently volunteers to Chair the group’s major events such as the Rotary Dinner Fundraiser, the Department’s Annual Family Picnic, and the Pony Express Days Muster. If there is any truth in busy people always finding time in an already active schedule, it truly applies to Arly. Arly operates Arly’s Family Day Care and works part time as a Security Guard in addition to her overactive schedule with Arcata Fire. Arly has been a member of Arcata Fire since 2006.

 

Captain Rick Gomes was selected as the ‘Most Inspirational Career Member’ of the Department. Rick’s superior mechanical skills make him one of the most sought after driving and pumping instructors in the Department. Rick plays a key role in maintaining Arcata Fire’s apparatus fleet as well as designing and fabricating many of the unique fire appliances that Arcata is proud to display. Captain Gomes is likewise a member of the Volunteer organization and serves on the Volunteer Board. Rick spends much of his free time working with youth sports in our community and is an avid cyclist. Rick has been a member of Arcata Fire since 2001.

 

The Board of the Arcata Fire Protection District joins the community in saluting these exceptional Volunteer and Career Fire personnel.