Arkansas City Fire/EMS Holds Awards Celebration

The Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department celebrated service, tradition, and community commitment during its Christmas Party and Awards Ceremony on December 7.

This event was created to bring firefighters, their families, and friends together for the beginning of a tradition the department hopes will continue for years to come. The afternoon featured the department’s first badge ceremony, years-of-service recognitions, community service awards, and a special service award presentation.

The program opened with a prayer delivered by Fire Marshal Gary Bowker, followed by the reading of the department’s mission statement.

A central highlight of the event was the department’s first badge ceremony. In the fire service, a badge represents far more than a uniform piece. It symbolizes trust from the community, responsibility to fellow crew members, a commitment to protect life and property, and the courage required on every call.

“The badge is a reminder of the promise each crew member makes every time they step into the station. This first-year ceremony marks an important step in building a tradition that will carry forward for future generations of firefighters,” Chief Stuart Cassaboom said.

The department also honored EMS Director Jeri Wheatley for 43 years of EMS service, including 15 years of leadership with Arkansas City Fire/EMS.

Three members received Community Service Awards for outstanding dedication to public outreach, fire prevention efforts, and strengthening the relationship between the department and the community. Honorees included Captain/Paramedic Brandy Rice, Reserve Captain Mike Evinger, and Firefighter/EMT David Kruse.

The ceremony also included Years of Service recognitions for personnel at milestones ranging from one year of service to more than twenty. The following individuals were recognized:

1+ Years of Service:

Firefighter/EMTs: Tyler Arrowsmith; Isaiah Stephens; Patrick Rodke; Alec Petry; Parker Manning; Joe Camara; Cutter Plush; Jaxson Slater; Cade Gillock; Austyn Butler

5+ Years of Service:

Lieutenant/AEMT Logan French; Firefighter/Paramedic Will Hankins; Firefighter/EMT David Kruse; Lieutenant/Paramedic Daniel Dedrick

10+ Years of Service:

Captain/Firefighter-EMT Tanner McClure

15+ Years of Service:

Captain/Paramedic Josh Bowker

20+ Years of Service:

Captain/Paramedic Brandy Rice; Reserve Captain Mike Evinger