Submitted by KEITH HABERER
Russell-Ellsworth County Emergency Management Director
Russell-Ellsworth County Emergency Management and 911 Communications Advisory Board are requesting nominations for the Volunteer/Emergency Worker of the Year. This is an opportunity to recognize and honor an emergency worker/volunteer for dedication and service to our communities and county. There are many volunteers and emergency workers in Russell County who deserve this award, and we would like to know your opinion so we can award a deserving candidate or candidates.
The formal rules are that the person should serve or support Russell County emergency services. The person can be a member of a police, fire, sheriff, EMS, hospital, health, dispatch or public works departments. Consideration is also given to volunteers who support any of these agencies or who volunteers for groups/agencies that support the emergency services such as Rotary Rescue, The Salvation Army, United Way, The American Red Cross or other volunteer organizations active in disasters.
The nominations will be considered and evaluated by the 911 Communications Advisory Board. The board will render a decision on the best entry. The winner or winners will be presented a Public Service Award Certificate at the National Weather Service Weather Spotter Meeting at 6:30 p.m. March 25at Dream Theatre in Russell.
Last year, Russell County recognized Sam Schmidt as the Volunteer of the Year.
The first recipients of this award were Wayne Grabbe and Gordon Gorton in 1998, Cindy Janssen in 1999, Alan Kuntzsch in 2000, Mike Finkenbinder in 2001, Tim Borders in 2002, Craig Langdon and Karl Houck in 2003, Steve Knopp in 2004, Gail Ogle in 2005, Tom Hirst and Lowell Vonada in 2006, Rod Steckel in 2007, Ron Major, Donna Fay Major and Tom Batt in 2008, David Evans in 2009, Larry Vaughan in 2010, Doug Janssen and Darlene Rose in 2011, and Keith Koelling in 2012.
Nomination letters of endorsement should be delivered by March 5 to Greg Rose at 911 Communications Dispatch Center, 339 E. Eighth, Russell, KS 67665 or to Keith Haberer at Russell-Ellsworth County Emergency Management, 850 Elm, P.O. Box 158, Bunker Hill, KS 67626.