The Highlander Fire Protection District recently hosted its Annual Banquet at the American Legion Post 42 in Floyds Knobs, Indiana. Department members were treated to a delicious meal catered by Stumler’s Catering. Our Chaplain Samuel Curran blessed the meal, and the event was hosted by James Baker Jr. and his wife Hollie. The couple played an essential role in planning the event and gathering door prizes for the members.
We would like to express our gratitude to the businesses and friends who sponsored the banquet. Please show your support to these generous sponsors.
The Office Cigar Lounge
A Kneading Touch Spa and Wellness
Oliver Insurance Agency
Awaiting Serenity Massage Therapy LLC.
High Tech Rescue
Fire Department Service & Supply
Firefighter Nathan McClure
Sterling Thompson Company
First Savings Bank
Amore Fine Italian Ristorante
Floyds Knobs Professional Firefighters Union Local 5426
Faulkenburg Automotive
Jay C Food Store
Bearno’s – Floyds Knobs
Tumbleweed Tex Mex Grill– Highlander Point Location
Limeberry Lumber
Mr. Hardware
Captain Brandon Alexander
Georgetown Bakery
Adrienne and Co Donuts and Desserts
Chief Jeremy Klein
Austins Clean Car Detail
Outernet Broadband
After the meal concluded, several awards and commendations were received.
Lifesaving Award
Brandon Stott (Not Pictured)
Nathan Ginn
To receive the Lifesaving Medal, the firefighter must be a member of the department who is principally involved in saving the life of another person and whose personal actions were directly responsible for the lifesaving act.
Distinguished Service Award
Terry Herthel
Jeremy Klein
Mark Huth
Wayne Hammer
Dan Schmidt
Earl James
Al Butler
Jerry Bannet
This award is given to firefighters and/or members who have demonstrated a long and distinguished career of service to their department and community.
Commendation Award
Josh Norman
This is awarded to a member who has demonstrated exceptional leadership,
teamwork, and professionalism.
Firefighter of the Year Award
Billy Klein
Klayton Beach
Aaron Simpson
This award is presented to the member who has successfully passed the probationary period, has not received any disciplinary action during the nomination period, and has routinely demonstrated superior knowledge, skill, and ability throughout the year. Additionally, the recipient has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to firefighting. This can be evidenced by outstanding actions on the fireground or at other functions in the community. The recipient acts and encourages others to act for the good of the community and its members, demonstrates commitment to creating and/or valuing diversity, seeks new levels of service excellence, and serves as a role model to others through positive interactions.
Volunteer Firefighter of the Year Award
Ryan Bohl
This is presented to the volunteer who has, in addition to committing his/her time, brought positive distinction to themselves, acts and encourages others to act for the good of the community and its members, demonstrates a commitment to creating and/or valuing diversity, seeks new levels of service excellence, and has not received any disciplinary action during the period.
EMT of the Year Award
Samuel Curran
Brandon Alexander
Kristina Edwards
The EMT of the Year Award is given to the individual who best characterizes the attributes of an emergency medical technician or paramedic.
Firefighter Service Commendation
Andrea Belden
20 Years (Not Pictured)
Ryan Houchen 20 Years (Not Pictured)
Jeff Miller 20 Years
John Miller 20 Years
Nathan Ginn 15 Years
Andrew Fleming 10 Years
Terry Herthel 10 Years
Logan Kleinhaus 10 Years
The Firefighter Service Commendation may be awarded to any regular member of the department at their 5-year anniversaries.
Life Member Award
Tony Schindler (Not Pictured)
Charles Drescher
The department may offer a life membership award for a specified number of years in lieu of or in addition to a commendation bar every five years.
Rookie of the Year Award
Robert Rembold
This award is presented to the member who has successfully completed the requirements of Firefighter I/II and is still within his/her first year of graduation, has not received any disciplinary action during the nomination period, and has demonstrated superior knowledge, skill, and ability on a routine basis throughout the year. Additionally, the recipient has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to learning outside of the classroom environment. Outstanding actions in the station, fireground, and community can evidence this. The recipient acts and encourages others to act for the department’s good while seeking new levels of service excellence.
Community Service Award
Jeff Read (Not Pictured)
Kelly Drescher
This award recognizes firefighters who have made significant contributions to their local community through their service and volunteer work.
Unit Citation Award
Station 3
Josh Norman
Chris Mason
Billy Klein
Pete Reisert Road Structure Fire
Jeff Miller
Aaron Simpson
Brandon Stott
Ryan Houchen
Nathan McClure
James Baker Jr.
Ryan Bohl
Klayton Beach
Chris Mason
Brandon Alexander
Terry Herthel
Billy Klein
Cameron Rhodes
Josh Norman
This award recognizes the efforts of an entire firefighting unit or team and is typically given for exceptional teamwork and dedication to a particular mission or task.
Individual Citation Award
James Baker Jr.
Nathan Ginn
Klayton Beach
Josh Norman
Awarded to a Fire Department member who has performed in an outstanding manner worthy of recognition.
Chief Jeremy Klein received a special award from The Floyds Knobs Professional Firefighters IAFF Union Local 5426 and other members of the department. The award was a special cornhole board set that was specifically made to honor his many years of service to the Lafayette Township Fire Department. Chief Klein’s dedicated service has propelled the department to where it is today and beyond.
