by AMANDA WINTERS

Sequim Gazette

Clallam County Fire District 3 is fully staffed as of Nov. 1 with the addition of four new paramedics and a mechanic.

Patrick Young, district fire inspector and public information officer, said the department spent a portion of the summer months testing, interviewing and hiring four new paramedics. The first two, Neil Borggard, of Port Angeles, and John Riley, of Tacoma, started work Aug. 1 and graduated from the 12-week Washington State Fire Academy Nov. 4. The second two, Eric Chamberlin, of Bremerton, and Brian Ouellette, of Mukilteo, started work Nov. 1 and are scheduled to attend the fire academy in January 2012.

Young said the state fire academy in North Bend is an intensive training program that ensures all the district’s firefighters have the same high-quality level of training.

The new hires participated in a competitive testing process and all had prior experience in their fields.

Kevin Smith, hired as a second mechanic to help maintain the district’s fleet, began Nov. 1. Smith formerly worked as a mechanic for the Port Angeles School District.

Young said with the new hires the total number of paid full-time emergency responders is 33, who are supplemented by 64 volunteer responders.

Awards presented

A Nov. 5 awards ceremony honored both career personnel and volunteers with the district.

Plaques to commemorate years served were presented to James Barnfather, Bryce James, Sean Ryan and Ray Watkins for three years service; Jeff Albers, Andrew Heydon, Joel McKeen and Ryan Tillman for five years service; Kevin Van De Wege for 10 years service; Steve Anders and Marc Lawson for 15 years service; Larry Parker, Derrell Sharp and John Tollefson for 20 years service; Jonathan Fodge for 25 years service; Lawrence Bingham for 30 years service; and Del Caryl for 35 years service.

Dennis Fernandez and Roy Harniss were recognized for their retirements.

Bryan Swanberg was named Career Firefighter of the Year and Peter Loeb named Volunteer Firefighter of the Year.

Sandra Boudrou received the Citizen Service Award for saving a man’s life at SeaTac on Nov. 17, 2010. Stefanie Gates received the Service Award for outstanding dedication and continuing service to fellow firefighters.

Commitment to Training Awards were presented in recognition of dedication and continuing service to the Volunteer Training Program. Lorene McCreary attended 100 percent of drills, Bill Gawley 96 percent, Doug Heydon 94 percent, Del Caryl 92 percent, Doug Morrill and John McAndie 90 percent.

Reach Amanda Winters at awinters@sequimgazette.com.