MOUNT VERNON — Fire Chief Chad Christopher recognized several individuals during Monday’s Mount Vernon City Council meeting.
Christopher presented Lt. Heidi Peterson with the Citizen’s Cross for her heroic actions at a motor vehicle crash. Capt. Trevor Williams received the inaugural Officer of the Year award, and Nathan Hines was named Firefighter of the Year.
The Citizen’s Cross is awarded to members of the public not associated with the fire service who distinguish themselves by performing acts or duties in a manner above that normally required or expected and that set them apart from their peers.
Driving on State Route 229 west of Mount Vernon last November, Peterson came upon a motor vehicle crash. The vehicle was smoking and catching fire. When the Mount Vernon Fire Department arrived, flames were coming from the engine and passenger compartments.
“With great bravery and urgency, you and an unknown male pulled the driver from the vehicle and moved him to safety,” Christopher told Peterson. “You also assisted in administering first-aid to the injured driver. … Your quick action to remove the driver from the vehicle was not only brave and heroic, but it was lifesaving.”
The fire chief chooses the Officer of the Year. Receiving the award is recognition of an officer’s actions throughout the year.
Christopher chose Williams because of his “constant example of excellence, the ever-driving work ethic, and the professional demeanor that must be illustrated in order to be worthy of this award.”
Christopher said Williams spent countless hours helping with and taking the lead on upgrading and implementing software programs. He also took over the part-time program and onboarding process for the College Township personnel, picked up several overtime shifts so others could have time off, and assisted Christopher with other duties outside of his normal responsibilities.
“You go above and beyond what is asked from you every shift,” Christopher told Hines. “You have been a leader in training and promoting our incident command system. Your attention to detail shows in how you perform your duties as an officer. You truly are a pleasure to have as a Mount Vernon Fire Department member. You represent our department and community to the highest level.”
Hines was named Firefighter of the Year in recognition of his teamwork and leadership. Nominated by the fire department officers, Christopher said that Hines helped the department ride out the turbulence that surrounds providing service to the community during a pandemic coupled with organizational growth.
“By working at our department more than ever before in your career, you were able to help bring junior personnel up to a level that allows them to be successful,” Christopher said in presenting the award. “You are full of experience and always willing to share it. Your daily contributions to the team have a synergistic effect that makes the team better. A better team provides better service.”
Noting that Hines is a jack-of-all-trades type of person, Christopher said Hines is available to talk with teammates when they need it, is an excellent cook, and has a “challenge accepted” mentality, looking for ways to do things right and better.
“You passed our promotional exam and will field promote when needed,” Christopher said. “You are a seasoned professional who provides the team with an extra layer of reasoning. You are a leader at the Mount Vernon Fire Department who has, is, and will assist us in being the best team for the community.”
