HCFFA Firefighter of the Year :

HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS

Fire & Emergency Services M. S. Montgomery

Fire Marshal’s Office Fire Marshal
480 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Suite 105, Houston, TX 77060

281-931-1085 • 281-931-5874 (fax)

www.co.harris.tx.us/fmarshal

To: HCFFA

Cc: J Ickes

Subject: ‘Fireman of the Year’ Award

On September 21, 2005 I was summoned by Atascocita Volunteer Fire Department to investigate the cause of a fire that destroyed a 2-story residence at 18310 Noble Forest Dr. in northeastern Harris County, Tx.

During my investigation, I learned several units from area fire departments assisted in controlling and extinguishing the blaze. I also learned Atascocita firefighter Terrance Lozano became injured and rendered unconscious while alone operating a hoseline inside the structure and was rescued by fellow firemen.

I respectfully submit Fireman Brian Harris of Eastex Volunteer Fire Department for the ‘Fireman of the Year’ award who while assisting as an exterior sector control officer distinguished himself by an individual act of heroism at imminent personal hazard and risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, when he immediately entered the burning structure without bunker gear or scba after hearing a ‘pass’ alarm sounding from within. He located an unconscious fireman on the first level near the rear of the home and was dragging him to safety when another fireman arrived to assist him.

His profound commitment and exemplary conduct are in the finest tradition of the fire service.

Thank you,

K.O. Callaway

Fire/Arson Investigator

Harris County Fire Marshal Office

Congratulations to Paul Bivens 2004 Firefighter of the Year!

Congratulations to Gerald Roberson
2003 Firefighter of the Year!

Deacon Tittel
2002 Firefighter of the Year!

HARRIS COUNTY FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION

FIRE FIGHTER OF THE YEAR GUIDELINES

Each year Harris County Fire Fighters Association selects and honors a fire fighter who has provided his / her department or the Fire Service in general with outstanding achievements. This can be as simple as outstanding job on a special project, leading out in a new endeavor, or making a dramatic rescue.

The nomination process begins in August of each year and closes the night of the November HCFFA meeting. Listed below are the criteria for submitting a nominee.

1. Any person can nominate an individual for FIRE FIGHTER of the YEAR. The signature of the Chief or an Officer directly under the Chief is required on your nomination letter. Should the Chief be the nominee another Officer within the department signature is required. Please place nomination on Department letterhead, if available.

2. Nominee's department MUST be a member of the HCFFA. (With dues Current)

3. Nominee should be considered because of past heroism in a fire related act, dedication to training, introduction of new or innovative training methods, or years of dedicated service to the Fire Service.

4. Leadership abilities to be considered are: work knowledge, communications, creative ability, innovation, attitude, and interaction with other people.

5. Community involvement to be considered, either church or civic operations.

6. A nominee should be considered for the committees he/she may have served on and how these committees functioned under his/her guidance.

7. Provide nominee information in an electronic format to the extent practical.

8. ALL NOMINATIONS ARE DUE AT THE NOVEMBER HCFFA MEETING OR BEFORE.

9. Nominations may be sent via e-mail to the HCFFA Secretary or directly to Jerry Ickes @ jwickes@baytown.org

Selection process:

1. During the months of November/December ALL nomination will be reviewed.

2. A review panel is selected. The review panel is typically made up former Presidents or VP's of the Association. (3 to 5) We attempt not to use a person from a Department that has submitted a nomination.

3. Review panel selects the nominee for Fire Fighter of Year and brings recommendation to Executive Committee

4. Executive Committee reviews recommendation and Fire Fighter of the Year is selected.

The department and/or family of the Fire Fighter of the Year is notified to that the department and/or family may attend the January meeting for the receipt to receive the award.