By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

Kevin McSherry, county fire association president, left, is shown with Shade Keeney, 2022 Fireman of the Year.

WARSAW — Shade Keeney, Harold Gunkel, Dennis Darr and Ernie Wiggins received special honors at the annual Kosciusko County Fire Association Fish Fry and Awards Night Thursday, Sept. 15.

Keeney was presented the Fireman of the Year Award. Gunkel received the service award and Darr and Wiggins were recipients of the Friend of the Fireman Award for service and leadership outside of the fire service. A special Thank You Award was presented to the Roger Gelbaugh family for allowing him to serve the county fire association for numerous years.

As a young man, Keeney started with the Seward Township Fire Department. Kevin McSherry, fire chief, who nominated Keeney, stated after one of his first structure fires, Keeney came back and said “Gosh chief, I like this, I think I want to do this for a living.” McSherry stated he told him the department would help him as much as they could. Keeney left Seward Township and worked with Turkey Creek Fire Territory before joining the Warsaw Wayne Fire Territory, where he is a full-time firefighter.

Harold Gunkel, right, received the 2022 Service Award. Kevin McSherry is shown on the left.

The service award recognizes not only longevity but what is done during the time a firefighter serves. “It is a big deal to have stuck it out. Many of you have it and know,” said McSherry. Gunkel, who was nominated by the Sidney Fire Department, has served 40 years on the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory. “He has served in many roles throughout the service and his community. His willingness to jump in and do whatever needs to be done has saved his department and community drastically, financially and physically. His experience and knowledge has been passed down to younger generation firefighters and he is always willing to teach anyone how to be better and how to get things done faster and safer for everyone,” read McSherry of the nomination.

Darr and Wiggins were recognized for their contributions, efforts and support of the new fire communication system.

Mickey Scott, fire chief for Turkey Creek Fire Territory, spoke of how when he was approached for a location of a tower in the northern part of the county, he thought of possibilities and made phone calls. “I don’t know if we would have gotten this place secured without the help of this person,” said Scott. That tower is located on the highest point of the county. “It’s all about taking care of people,” McSherry added.

Turkey Creek FIre Territory Fire Chief, Mickey Scott presents Dennis Darr with the Friend of the Fireman Award.

Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer spoke of Wiggin’s career serving Warsaw as a councilman and mayor and on the county council, where he supported the radio project. “Ernie does not like the spotlight or fanfare. He leads by example. He was a great mentor to me. His vast knowledge and experience made him a very respected leader. The most important thing he taught me was the value of building relationships to bring the community together to solve problems. This speaks to dedication to the community and his ability to lead. “He is truly a friend of the firemen,” said McSherry.

The evening additionally included presentation of Indiana Volunteer Firefighter’s Association pins to those with over 25 years of fire service, by John Grolich, District 5 chairman. Among those who were given pins were:

Atwood — Chad Heckaman

Kosciusko County Fire Association President Kevin McSherry, left, is shown with Ernie Wiggins one of two people who received the Friend of the Fireman Award.

Burket — Doug Mayhew, Mark Nordman

Clay Township — Rick Hurley

Etna Township — Paul Scott

Mentone — Matt Cohagan, James Eads, Jeremy Lybarger and Daivd Prater

Milford — Shane Bucher, Rob Hare and Matt Mast

Tippecanoe Township — Keith Gunkel, Michael Hollingsworth, Lester Mast and Matthew Nei

Plain Township — Bart Kammerer

Sidney — Kevin Wagoner, Mike Sells

Turkey Creek Township — Brian Richcreek

Warsaw-Wayne — Joe Fretz and Aaron Bollinger

Marsha McSherry, county administrator and co-chair of the communication system committee, spoke briefly on the progress and target dates. “We’re nearing the end,” she stated. A test of the system is slated for Oct. 17. Comments were also heard from Sue Mitchell, county council chairwoman.

State Fire Marshal Stephen Jones provided a few words, echoing a comment the local association had heard numerous times – “You guys have something special. Not every county can do this,” referring to the large gathering of firefighters who all work together. He stressed the importance of the firefighters as being someone people can count on, how their family is important, their health and mental heath. “You guys in the fire service are the most important in the community. You’re the ones who help run the baseball Little League. Without the fire service where would a community be? It’s a family thing.”