The Merritt Fire Rescue Department celebrated another year of hard work at the annual Protective Services Reception and Dinner, held at the Coldwater Hotel last Friday.

Mayor Susan Roline and other city council members joined about 30 firefighters and their guests at the banquet.

A motivational presentation by keynote speaker Hugh Culver and awards recognizing individual firefighters' achievements followed the meal.

Lieut. David Berezan, the master of ceremonies at the banquet, also presented a movie he prepared that highlighted the fire department's work over the last year.

Fire Chief David Tomkinson noted that 2009 was the Merritt Fire Rescue Department's busiest year yet. Firefighters responded to over 400 calls, the highest volume ever.

In a sign of just how busy the fire department has become, the after-dinner portion of the evening was delayed so Berezan and several colleagues could respond to a medical emergency in the hotel upstairs.

Training officer Sky McKeown said banquet attendees took the longer-than-expected intermission in stride. “It was just a little more time for people to have a couple more refreshments and relax.

“When stuff happens, people phone the fire department.”

As for the absent firefighters, McKeown said they helped the RCMP and B.C. Ambulance paramedics remove the patient from the hotel.

With Roline's help, Tomkinson handed out gifts and awards to various firefighters and other fire department volunteers, honouring their service and dedication.

Berezan was recognized as the firefighter who responded to the most calls in 2009. Tomkinson said Berezan was present at 222 emergencies last year, including 161 fires.

His high attendance record extended to training sessions as well. McKeown commended Berezan and Carl Johnston, who both came out to 120 per cent of required sessions.

McKeown explained that they were able to exceed 100 per cent attendance since the fire department offers regular training on Mondays and optional sessions on Thursdays.

Lieut. Martin Peterson and McKeown each received watches marking five years of service with the Merritt Fire Rescue Department, although Peterson has already been a firefighter for six years. While presenting the watches, Tomkinson explained that a clerical error caused the department to overlook Peterson's five-year anniversary.

Firefighter Rani Hothi received a badge to commemorate her 10 years as a member of Merritt Fire Rescue.

Safety officer Bill Morton was named IMPRESS Firefighter of the Year, a title conferred on him by his fellow firefighters.
McKeown explained the criteria. “In a nutshell, it's that firefighter's attitude.

“In that case, it was coming in on his free time that really stood out…and the countless hours he put in with other people."