2010

2010 Leadership Award
Capt. Bernie Vahlkamp

This year’s recipient of the Leadership Award has been a fixture around the department for a number of years.  Through this time he has filled many roles such as student, co-worker, supervisor, instructor and manager.  The one thing that stands out about this individual is that regardless of what his formal role was, he was always filling the role of a leader.

Webster’s dictionary defines a leader as someone who shows the way, by going in front.  The individual has never shied away from the need to lead when confronted with it.  On the fire ground he knows what needs to be done and commands the respect of his men.  In the station house he seems to be knowledgeable of most everything that goes on and does not hesitate to speak his mind.  His opinions may not always be popular, but they are always well thought out and rooted in good intentions.  He is a man that is willing to step-up at times when no one else will.  Time and again, it has been his willingness to do this that has provided the glue to hold together some tenuous situations.

As the formal leader of this department, I can say that I value and trust the insights that this man provides.  It is my hope that he is a fixture around this organization for many years to come as we all benefit by knowing and working with him.

It is our pleasure to announce this year’s Leadership Award recipient, Bernie Vahlkamp.