Firefighter of year named

By Sam Waller

The Albany Volunteer Fire Department presented Chief Travis Gardenhire with the 2021 Firefighter of the Year merit award at its annual Christmas party and meeting on Monday, Dec. 6.

The annual award is voted on by department members to honor an individual whom they believe has best met the five following qualifications:

The firefighter must not be on probation.

The firefighter must have shown to be highly active in the department through meetings and fire/emergency calls.

The firefighter must have shown dedication to his/her duty as an Albany firefighter and demonstrate professionalism.

The firefighter must be knowledgeable in the fields of firefighting and safety.

The nominee should be one who “goes the extra mile” and is considered dependable.

Gardenhire, who works full-time for the Abilene Fire Department, took over as chief of the Albany VFD last year, succeeding Kyle Tischler.

“We pick somebody from the department who we feel best personifies the characteristics of a volunteer firefighter,” Capt. Jeff Hill of the Albany VFD said. “Travis has put a lot of hard work and time into the fire department. He’s provided excellent service and leadership for the rest of us.”

In addition to the award ceremony, the annual Christmas party provides a chance for firefighters and their families to cele­brate the holiday season together.