Charlottesville firefighters lauded at event

The Charlottesville Fire Department gave out a number of awards at a ceremony Saturday.

Capts. Emily Pelliccia, Joe Phillips and Mike Rogers were recognized for their efforts to support the Charlottesville Police Department’s SWAT Team. The captains are trained to provide front-line rescue and medical support for the team. They have spent months training and are available at a moment’s notice.
Rogers was also honored for the time he has spent working with the regional hazardous materials team. He is in charge of training and monitors and maintains equipment.
Capt. Dave Werner and firefighters John Burruss and Doug Clay were honored for their work on the new rescue group program. The three have helped the department be better prepared to rescue people from dangerous, difficult-to-reach situations.
Capt. Tim Cersley and firefighters Victor Dunning and Mark Ladd, the crew of Engine Two, were given a unit citation because they succeeded in finding a very subtle fire. Sent out during a severe thunderstorm, the group walked around a building several times, inspecting closely, before they were able to smell smoke, which ultimately led to the timely suppression of a fire before it could fully engulf the home.

The crew of Engine Five — Capt. Kevin Pfeilsticker and firefighters Celia Thompson and James Shifflett — was given a unit citation for helping to save a man who was in cardiac arrest.
Firefighter Lance Blakey was given the esprit de corps award for dedication to the job. He puts in extra effort as shift inspector for B Shift, according to a news release.
Firefighter of the year was Nick Barrell. He won the award for the care and compassion he has demonstrated for those he comes into contact with, including an EMS call on Blue Ridge Road where Barrell saved a patient who had fallen from a second-story window.

Captain of the year was Cersley, who was nominated for his fairness and consistency in the management of his company, as well as his work on the department honor guard.
Battalion Chief W.A. Hogsten won chief officer of the year. Hogsten leads the fire prevention division, which he has reorganized. He also has established department-wide training and expanded the shift fire inspector program.
EMS administrator Linda Johnson won the fire chief’s award.