ELK RAPIDS NEWS January 8 2015 Volume IX Issue No. 32 75¢ Chief Pete VanDenBerge named Firefighter of the Year 2014 Firefighter of the Year Chief Pete VanDenBerge. Courtesy photo T he Elk Rapids Fire Department is proud to announce that Chief Pete VanDenBerge has been named Elk Rapids’ Firefighter of the Year for 2014 by the Elk Rapids Firefighter’s Association. VanDenBerge has been a member of the department since 1985 and has continually proven his level of commitment and dedication to the department, the community and his family. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2002, Deputy Chief in 2003 and became Chief in 2009. Pete was previously awarded Firefighter of the Year in 2004 and 2009. Pete began his career as a firefighter in Glenwood Springs, Colorado and then moved on to Butte, Montana. His family moved to Elk Rapids in 1984 and lived across the street from then Fire Chief Cal Greiner who encouraged Pete to join ERFD. Pete has a long list of certifications and awards, including Company Officer III, Fire Officer III Fire Instructor II, Arson Detection and Advanced Vehicle Extrication. Pete is highly regarded byy his peers as a true leader, a great mentor and an outstanding example of a dedicated professional. He is also an active member of the Antrim County Emergency S e r v i c e s d Association and the Antrim Firee Analysis Team. The Elkk re Rapids Fire Department currently has 20 volunteer members and serves both the Village and Township of Elk Rapids. Text submitted by Ken Williamson, Deputy Chief Postal Customer PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ELK RAPIDS, MI PERMIT NO. 10 above: The Elk Rapids Fire Department. back row:Nick Carpenter, Joe Fischer, Dave Gildersleeve, Matt Rainey, Phil VanDenBerge, Kayla Fitzgerald. middle row l/r: Steven Gildersleeve, Jose Vela, Shawn Fitzgerald, Rafael Medina, Loretta Burfiend, Charlie Smith. front row: Lt. Vince Cooper, Deputy Chief Ken Williamson, Chief Pete VanDenBerge, Lt. Chris White. Not pictured Captain Don Marker, Don Hoezee, Curt Johnson, Kyle Owen. Photo by Melanie Knight inset: Deputy Fire Chief Ken Williamson presents Chief Pete VanDenBerge with the 2014 Firefighter of the Year award. Courtesy photo SERVING THE ELK RAPIDS ALDEN KEWADIN RAPID CITY EASTPORT TORCH RIVER BRIDGE WILLIAMSBURG ACME AREAS