The Kell Fire Department has co-firefighters of the year.
Firefighters Jason Krutsinger and Steven Felgenhauer tied in the vote among the voting firefighters and officers felt both deserved the honor.
Assistant Chief Jason Franke pointed out that they are blessed with a great group. He says they all work hard, are driven to be the best they can be and train like its someone’s life on the line. Franke says it is often hard to give the honor to just one person as each member brings a talent to the mix that creates the team.
Krutsinger and Felgenhauer are both mechanics and lead the maintenance program. Franke says they spend a lot of extra time around the firehouse keeping equipment in great shape and making repairs. He adds this saves the fire district a lot of money, avoiding sending the trucks to the shop. Franke says the other firefighters saw the extra time the two have put in during 2022 to make various repairs and upfitting the new engine to get it put in service. He feels they made the right decision.
Felgenhauer told the group after being selected that he has been on the department for four years now and have had the chance to work with some amazing people. He’s thankful to be a part of this group of firefighters that feels like a family. Felgenhauer added being on this department has been a great opportunity that he’s so glad to have been given.
Krutsinger told the group he would like to thank Chief Lonnie McDaneld, officers, and firefighters for honoring him with the award. He’s also been on the department for four years and couldn’t ask for a better group to learn from and continue growing as a department.
Lonnie McDaneld, who retired as chief on Monday, give out the awards for the final time.
