Merced Matters: 2014 Firefighters of the Year

Ten county firefighters were honored for their work last week during an annual banquet, including eight men who were named 2014 Firefighter of the Year for their respective departments.

Each Merced County fire department selected their own Firefighter of the Year, and honors were passed out Wednesday at an awards dinner and ceremony at the American Legion hall in downtown Merced.

In addition to the 2014 Firefighter of the Year awards, longtime firefighters Chester Guintini, a retired fire chief from the Los Banos department, and the late Larry Smith, who gave many years of service to the Delhi Volunteer Fire Department, were also honored during the event.

Merced County Supervisor John Pedrozo served as the master of ceremonies for the evening.

Atwater Firefighter of the Year: Robert Blais

Blais is captain of the Atwater branch of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Merced County. He began his firefighting career in 1984, and was described by Chief Nancy Koerperich as a key figure in the department’s reserve firefighter program, which he coordinates.

“Robert goes above and beyond to help with training, projects and other duties,” Koerperich said. “He is an asset to our department and truly a pleasure to be around.”

Dos Palos Firefighter of the Year: Dave Jordan

Jordan has been the assistant chief at the Dos Palos Fire Department for 25 years. Dewayne Jones, the city’s public safety director, described Jordan as a vital member of the department and praised his many years of public service.

“Dave is a hardworking, dedicated member of the department who leads by example,” Jones said. “Dave is a mentor to our younger firefighters, who have a great deal of respect for him”

Gustine Firefighter of the Year: Richard Martin

Martin, a volunteer firefighter in Gustine for six years, was praised for his commitment to the department and to the Gustine community by Chief Pat Borrelli, which has included volunteering labor for a variety of events and organizations. The chief also noted Martin’s years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“Some people wonder all of their lives if they’ve made a difference, Richard Martin will never wonder,” Borrelli said. “He has made a difference and will continue to do so.”

Livingston Firefighter of the Year: Chris Unruh

Unruh has been a volunteer firefighter in Merced County since 1997. Koerperich praised his dedication to training and noted he has consistently been one of the department’s top volunteer responders since joining.

“He is extremely levelheaded and calm under pressure and has demonstrated excellent leadership ability. Chris is well-respected by his peers and company officers,” Koerperich said. “When called upon for special duties, he is happy to help. Dependable, hardworking and tireless are just a few things that describe Chris.”

Unruh was unable to attend Wednesday’s ceremony.

Los Banos Firefighter of the Year: Ben Servin

Servin has been a volunteer firefighter in Los Banos for nearly four years and is in the running to join the department full time, Chief Tim Morrison said.

“Ben has been a member of the department since August of 2011 and was recognized for his dedication to emergency responses within the city of Los Banos,” Morrison said. “Ben ... logged over 360 hours of volunteer service to the community in 2014.”

Merced city Firefighter of the Year: Mickey Brunelli

Brunelli joined the department in 2003 and was promoted to captain in 2011. He is the emergency medical program coordinator and its lead instructor, teaching CPR and EMT skills, among a variety of other key responsibilities, Chief Shawn Henry said.

“Capt. Brunelli is a highly motivated individual who has been recognized by his peers as a positive example of what a firefighter of the year exemplifies,” Henry said.

Merced County paid-call Firefighter of the Year: Robert Cromie

Cromie has been a paid-call firefighter in Merced County since 1995, including two stints as a volunteer fire chief.

“Not only does Robert volunteer his time with the fire department, for many years he has coached football and baseball in Le Grand and also assists with the Little League program in Merced,” Koerperich said. “Robert is always the first to step up to help with fundraisers including Fill the Boot, open houses, fire prevention and educational programs.”

Merced County professional Firefighter of the Year: John Slate

Slate has been a firefighter in Merced County since 2001, serving in a variety of positions at various stations, Koerperich said.

“John has been in the training office for Merced County for the last nine months and was assigned the Office of Emergency services for the year prior,” Koerperich said. “John is an honest, hardworking and dedicated man who is family- and work-oriented.”

This story was originally published April 12, 2015 at 6:15 PM with the headline "Merced Matters: 2014 Firefighters of the Year."