.png)
The City of San Marcos Fire Department recognized significant achievements by members of its department, as well as members of other organizations and our community, at its annual awards ceremony held recently at the San Marcos Activity Center.
Among the recipients were Captain Justin Calhoun, who was named Officer of the Year, and Firefighter Matthew Felton, who was awarded Firefighter of the Year.
Captain Justin Calhoun was awarded Officer of the Year. He’s pictured here with his wife, Rachel.
Life-Saving Efforts
The Medal of Merit was awarded to Firefighter Zane Willard who saved the life of an individual by an act of rescue.
Phoenix Awards and Bars were given to the following personnel who were directly responsible for saving a person’s life during 2018:
Captains Jonathan Henderson and Craig Miller; Engineers Greg Mechler, Billy Mullins and Blake Schanhals; Firefighters Stephen Guenther and Benjamin Schlomach; San Marcos Hays County (SMHS) EMS Lieutenant Paramedic Josh Jakubec and Paramedics Greg Humphries and Kyle Skinner.
The Unit Citation Medals are awarded to individuals who perform as a group beyond the normal scope of duty to overcome unusual difficulties or obstacles in order to complete a difficult task that resulted in the protection of life or property. The medals were awarded to: Battalion Chiefs Howie Minor, Aaron Crawford and John Koenig; Captains Sean Garrison, Louis Gonzales, Paul Muth and Frank Arredondo; Engineers Bobby Nance and Bill Young; Firefighters Robert Dallimore, Zane Willard, Travis Sweet, Matthew Felton and Stephen Warne; SMHC EMS Captain Joshua Bacak, and Paramedics Justin Payne and Kyle Skinner
Fire Marshal Kelly Kistner with Captains Clint Foehner and Jonathan Henderson, who received their Peace Officer badges.
Community Partners
Epic Piping received a Certificate of Appreciation for volunteering their time to paint and weld a pancake grill that will be used for years to come for special events.
Attendees also held a moment of silence in remembrance of those affected by the Iconic Village Fire.
Firefighter Matthew Felton was awarded Firefighter of the Year. From left to right are Asst. Fire Chief Karl Kuhlman, Asst. Fire Chief Rick Rowell, Fire Marshal Kelly Kistner, Felton, Fire Chief Les Stephens, Battalion Chief John Koenig.
Battalion Chief Jim Matano was awarded the honorary position of Vice President Emeritus from SMFFA.
