Annual Awards
Ceremony
Honoring Firefighter and
Civilian Accomplishments in 2014
Saturday, April 11, 2015
5:30 p.m.
Hilton Austin Hotel
“Our Mission Goes Beyond Our Name”
Award Recipients
Outstanding Service
Jamila Zakari
Distinguished Service
Captain Kevin Kalmus
Quint 27/C Shift
Firefighter Michael Lamure
Engine 24/C Shift
Lieutenant Matt Holmes
Recruiting
Firefighter Andrew Ramon
Engine 36/A Shift
Certificate of Commendation
Melanie Liner, Alisha Weskamp
Pass the Torch
Paramedic Nate Rasmussen
Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services
Certificate of Appreciation
Chaplain Rob Embry
Chaplain Andrew Fox
Chaplain Mark Nuckols
Chaplain Nathan Robertson
May 19
Unit Citation
Lieutenant Jack Garner (ret.)
Investigations
Battalion Chief Aaron Woolverton
Investigations
Lieutenant Scott Hembree
Investigations
Lieutenant Dan Fiero
Investigations
Lieutenant Steven Silverthorn
Investigations
Lieutenant Randy Elmore
Investigations
June 27
Medal of Merit
Fire Specialist Wyatt Parker
Engine 8/C Shift
August 7
Medal of Merit
Fire Specialist Jamie Buzan
Ladder 08/A Shift
Meritorious Service
Lieutenant Gerald Cohen
Engine 08/A Shift
Firefighter James Hoffman
Quint o1/C Shift
Firefighter Jason Bryant
Ladder 08/A Shift
August 31
Certificate of Commendation
Firefighter Demetrius Countouriotis
Engine 08/A Shift
Firefighter Jacob Whittington
Engine 20/C Shift
October/November
Certificate of Commendation
Firefighter Christopher Qualls
Engine 11/A Shift
Firefighter Adam Torres
Quint 17/A Shift
November 22
Medal of Merit
Lieutenant Clint Brooks
Engine 24/B Shift
Meritorious Service
Firefighter Alfred Cervera
Engine 05/C Shift
For a descripƟon of the awards,
please see page 4.
Award Descriptions
CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION
Awarded to any member for outstanding acts or services rendered on or off duty.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Presented to those members who, by their actions, distinguish themselves above that of their
peers in service to the Austin Fire Department.
UNIT CITATION
Awarded to a unit whose service was an unequaled personal effort in overcoming difficulties
or obstacles in the completion of a difficult task, and has resulted in the protection of life or
property OR for performance beyond the normal scope of duty.
MEDAL OF COMMENDATION
Awarded to a member who makes significant contributions to, and exceeds expectations of,
the Austin Fire Department, and/or the community for ongoing, exceptional performance that
advances and supports the fire service.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE
Awarded to any member who, while not in a life-threatening situation, is in direct support of
operations where a member(s) is awarded a Medal of Merit, Valor, or Honor.
MEDAL OF MERIT
Awarded to any member who saves the life, or attempts to save the life, of a human being by
an act of rescue. This act must be of a conspicuous nature.
MEDAL OF VALOR
Awarded to any member who has performed a courageous act under conditions of extreme
danger and at great risk of bodily injury. The act must clearly exceed what is required, and
results in the protection of life in a manner considered exceptionally valiant.