Top firefighters from Merced County honored for service
Merced County firefighters whose colleagues deemed them the most dedicated and deserving were honored Wednesday night at the county’s annual Firefighter of the Year Awards ceremony.
Nine full-time and volunteer firefighters were chosen from each county agency to receive the honor, presented at American Legion Post 83 hall in Merced during a banquet put on in part by firefighters-in-training.
John Pedrozo, Merced County supervisor for District 1, led the ceremony and said the night celebrated those who put their lives on the line.
“Anyone who does public safety is a hero in my eyes,” Pedrozo said.
The honored firefighters were commended for their volunteer and fundraising efforts, their work ethic and their skills.
Representatives from the Firefighters Burn Institute also recognized Los Banos and Gustine fire departments for their fundraising efforts in “Fill the Boot” events.
Representatives from the offices of Assemblyman Adam Gray, Rep. Jim Costa and other dignitaries also were there present the firefighters with certificates.
2015 Firefighters of the Year
Full-time
Los Banos engineer Mark Frontella
Merced County Fire Capt. David Scheurich
Atwater Fire Capt. Bobby Ayuso
City of Merced Fire Capt. Chad Englert
Paid-call firefighters/volunteers
Los Banos volunteer Lt. Tommy Flynn
Merced County volunteer Chief Frank Compton III
Livingston volunteer Chief David Bates
Dos Palos paid call firefighter Sean Davis
Gustine paid call firefighter Kacey Garcia
This story was originally published April 14, 2016 at 5:10 PM with the headline "Top firefighters from Merced County honored for service."