Soon after the bulk of their flood labors were over, Hoodland Fire District No.
74 had its annual banquet on Jan. 29.

The evening is always a combination of celebration and relaxation with a
touch of reflection thrown in for good measure.

Each year the district honors individuals who have shown outstanding
contributions to the district’s mission.

Kim Crowder earned the EMT of the Year award. Crowder serves as CPR
instructor, helps teach other medical classes on occasion, and runs many calls
as an EMT-Intermediate.

The Fire Chief’s Above and Beyond award went to career firefighter Scott
Kline, who as the District’s Fire Marshal, does fire inspections and
investigations as well as running the recruit training program. He also did
yeoman’s work during the floods as a public information officer.

The newest honoree is Rookie of the Year, Michelle “Mo” Taylor, who was
praised for her great attitude and her willingness to learn.

Officer of the Year was Battalion Chief Casey Buck. This was akin to a lifetime
achievement award for Buck, who will step down as an officer this spring after
decades of service to the Mountain community.

The biggest award of the evening, Firefighter of the Year, went to Scott
Freeman, who won it for the second time in three years.

Freeman has competed regionally and nationally in firefighter stair climb and
combat challenge courses. He is currently vice president of the Hoodland
Volunteers Association, and he has recently dedicated himself to rejuvenating
the Brightwood substation.

While the official number of emergency calls for 2010 was down a touch at
650, 2011 started with a bang. Accordingly, Chief Mic Eby presented a group
award to a number of people known as the “dark side” crew. Darrin Diegel,
Tom Gall, Chris Hunger, John Ingrao, Bob Barrett, Jim Jarvis, Evan Jarvis and
Travis Manley were truly dedicated on a daily basis for more than 10 days to
help with the Lolo Pass flooding.