Fire Department Honors Members at Awards Banquet

Attendees at the annual Sussex Fire Department appreciation night and awards banquet heard service statistics, witnessed the awarding of numerous honors, and recognized the accomplishments of numerous firefighters, EMTs and paramedics.

The event was held Saturday at The Fairways of Woodside Golf Course and  Supper Club, W235 N8518 Clubhouse Circle. Attendees included past and present Sussex firefighters  together with village officials.

The following personnel received length of service plaques:

• Deputy Chief Greg Zoellick, 25 years.

• Christy Kiekenbush; five years.

• Steve Paulkner, five years.

• Josh Tyrrell, five years.

Jerry Trepanier received the two major awards of the night: Firefighter of the Year and the Chief's Award.

The Firefighter of The Year Award is voted by all current members of the department. The Chief's Award is given to a member who goes above and beyond in the course of the year, said Fire Chief Colin D. "Corky" Curtis.

"Jerry Trepanier is an employee who is organized, motivated, a team player, a leader and a role model who seeks new challenges," Curtis said. "Jerry works with new employees getting them acclimated to the way things are done in the fire service."

Trepanier is married to Dawn Marie. He joined the department in 2008 after moving to Sussex and works full time as an engineer at GE Medical in Pewaukee.

Some other highlights of 2010 were discussed at the banquet:

• The department in 2010 responded to 724 calls for duty, up 117 from 2009.
• Ardith Gribble was hired as a full=time firefighter/paramedic in the fall.  She started as a paid-on-call firefighter/EMT in August 2002.
• Eleven new members started with the department.
• Lieutenant Randy Ware retired with 24 years of service.
• Steve Boldt and Chad Weber completed paramedic class and received their state licenses.
• Chris Rayborn and Courtney Carlson started paramedic class in August and plan to finish in May.

• Fire Department personnel attended many public relations and educational events throughout the year.

The Sussex Fire Department is on a continuous recruitment cycle for new members. You may visit its website or call 262-246-5197 for more information.