The sacrifice and hard work of others have helped shape the course of two blossoming careers at the Valley Regional Fire Authority.
And for that committed teamwork, Capt. Paul Strong and Firefighter 1st Class Kelly Scharf are deeply grateful and honored today.
Strong and Scharf were selected by their peers as the VRFA Fire Officer of the Year and Firefighter of the Year for 2010, respectively, at the organization’s fourth annual awards ceremony and reception at the Truitt Building last Friday night.
“I’m very humbled by it. You don’t expect something like this, but you appreciate it when it happens,” said Strong, 40, a VRFA veteran of 16 years, the last 4 1/2 years as captain.
“Very humbling. We work with so many amazing people. It’s a team award,” said Scharf, 36, a 12-year firefighter with the VRFA.
Strong, of Bonney Lake, was praised for his skills, knowledge, compassion, leadership and consistency in developing and advancing the VRFA’s training division.
According to VRFA Administrator Eric Robertson, Strong “raised the bar” as a training division leader.
Strong praised those around him for making the challenging work effective and rewarding.
“Everybody in the training division – from my supervisors and my peers to the people who work for me – make everything possible,” Strong said.
“It’s perpetually ongoing, but my goal always has been to try to elevate that standard a little bit higher … so we can perform our jobs better and be safer.”
Strong, who recently was assigned to VRFA Station No. 32, praised his wife, Misty, who decided to stay at home and tend to their three children.
“She gave up her paramedics certification … so I could develop my career,” Strong said. “She has been unbelievable.”
“Paul has gone a long way toward raising the professional standards we strive to meet,” said one of his co-workers.
Scharf, meanwhile, was honored for his natural abilities, upbeat personality and love for firefighting. Kelly serves as a medical specialist and has conducted EMS training for VRFA crews. In addition, he is a Peer Fitness trainer for the firefighter health and wellness program.
According to his peers, Scharf has long been at the top of the list in regard to skills, dedication and competency.
“His leadership style is anchored by his need and ability to set a great example,” said one fellow firefighters.
A solid leader and instructor, Scharf was quick to point out that his individual award is a result of those who work around him.
“We have all types here,” said Scharf, who is assigned to Station 32. “As a team, we come together. We all have strengths and weaknesses, but we come together as a unit.”
Scharf lives in Bothel with his wife and two children.
Notes
In other VRFA awards, Capt. Thomas Marino and firefighter Joel Strange earned medals of merit. Marino received the medal for his leadership of the VFRA Honor Guard and former Auburn Fire Department Honor Guard for more than 25 years. He was instrumental in the formation of the Honor Guard, and has trained many of its members over the years. “Tom consistently stepped forward on extremely short notice to organize the participation of the Honor Guard in memorial services and community events. His efforts are greatly appreciated,” said Fire Chief Stan Laatsch. …
The Engine 38 firefighter foursome of Strange, David Lewis, Lars Mickelson and Anthony Savelli each received a medal of merit and meritorious unit citation) for their response to and containment of the Ferrellgas accident last May. Strange earned a medal of merit for his role as acting captain during the incident in which downed wires and a vehicle fire in a propane storage facility threatened to create a dangerous explosion. …
Also honored were James Smith, the VRFA’s information technology manager (professional excellence award) and the late Dick Kammeyer (distinguished civilian service award). Smith was praised for his contributions to the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization. A co-worker noted that Smith is ”technically astute, innovative, creative and a pure pleasure to work with. “ Kammeyer, meanwhile, served as a Civil Service Commission chairman and committee member for over 30 years and was a lifelong supporter of the fire department mission. …
The VRFA recognized the retirements of firefighters Lewis (28 years) and Richard Varnum Jr. (27 years). … The VRFA recently promoted the following individuals: Capt. Kevin K. O’Brien to battalion chief; firefighter Gary Barker to captain; firefighter Paul Carolan to captain; firefighter Steven Zehnder to captain; firefighter Troy Kilcup to captain; firefighter Dave Berg to captain; firefighter Brad Thompson to captain and firefighter Janeen Ruge to captain, the first woman to earn that rank in the VRFA.
