Flagler Palm Coast Kiwanis Club held its 16th Annual Firefighters of the Year Awards Luncheon on October 11 at the Elks Lodge. We were informed by Frank Consentino, Kiwanian and Awards Chairman, that this is National Fire Prevention Month. He then introduced Chief Mike Tucker from Flagler County Fire Rescue, who said that the theme for this year is “Cooking Safety”, with the motto “Home cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention when you cook.” Chief Tucker also spoke of the very good working relationship between the 3 departments. They have a program in place that is helping to reduce the shortage of EMTs.
Chief Robert “Bobby” Pace, City of Flagler Beach Fire Department introduced his department’s award recipient, Volunteer Firefighter Larry Wolfe. He described Firefighter Wolfe’s history beginning as a Junior Firefighter at age 16 in 1962. After many decades in different locations up north, he arrived with his wife in our community and became a volunteer firefighter in Flagler Beach. Chief Pace talked about his various duties at the station, at a fire, or on a rescue and said that Firefighter Wolfe will “do whatever needs to be done”. We were reminded that Chief Pace was our Firefighter of the Year in 2008.
Chief Tucker then introduced award recipient Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle Najpaver. He was on duty at the time of the luncheon as a flight medic and his helicopter pilot was there with him.
Chief Berryhill, City of Palm Coast Fire Department, and his award recipient Lt. Omar Kanaan were unable to attend the luncheon.
