Scotch Creek resident Doug Kilback has received one of the top awards the Scotch Creek Volunteer Fire Department can present.
Fire Chief Art Stoll says it was a difficult choice, as usual, to decide on just one person to receive the Firefighter of the Year award.
“It is really hard to pick because they are all basically firefighters of the year,” says Stoll. “They really are.”
Stoll describes the candidate for the prestigious award as someone who has excelled throughout the year and goes an extra step or two beyond what everyone else is doing.
The officers in the department choose who they think should be the recipient, and from there the chief makes his decision.
Stoll says he decided on Kilback for a number of reasons, including his eagerness to take control and initiative.
“Last year he really grasped onto pumping operations and is now qualified to run all three of our pumpers without someone looking over his shoulder,” explains Stoll.
Kilback had not expected to receive the award, describing his shock when he heard his name.
“It was a big surprise, it was wonderful,” he says.
Kilback has been a volunteer firefighter for seven years, serving four of those in Anglemont before moving to Scotch Creek and joining the crew there.
The local firefighter loves what he does, and describes how being part of the department is a great way for him to help out his community, get to know people, and learn.
“We always try to support the community by helping out and assisting wherever we can,” he says.
The Scotch Creek Fire Department plans to host a number of activities in the near future including a garage sale on the May long weekend, and a safe-driving program in April.
