By James Combs
Lake County Fire Rescue honors three lieutenants
Three Lake County Fire Rescue personnel were among those honored for their dedication to service during the annual awards banquet that recognizes police officers, firefighters and K9 officers who went above and beyond the line of duty during the past year. The event, which takes place at Eustis Elks Lodge 1578, has been honoring first responders for 17 years.
Lake County Fire Rescue Lt. Albert Howard, Lt. Brian Merkle, and Lt. Ross Pinkerton were all recipients of the Firefighter of the Year award during the Feb. 17 event.
“These three lieutenants trained all our personnel in Rural Rescue Transport,” Lake County Fire Chief Jim Dickerson said in a press release. “This was a monumental task that took many, many hours to accomplish. As a result of their unselfishness and commitment to train our personnel in the proper procedures for transporting ill and injured patients, all 207 shift personnel are now certified.”
As there were three award recipients at this year’s event, each will display the plaque at their station for four months.
Akers Media Group's James Combs has been a staff writer for several local publications since August 2000. He has had the privilege of interviewing some of Lake County's many fascinating residents—from innovative business owners to heroic war veterans—and bringing their stories to life. A resident of Lake County since 1986, James recently embarked on a journey to lead a healthier lifestyle. He has lost 60 pounds and walks nearly five miles a day. In his spare time, he enjoys target shooting, skeet shooting and watching his beloved Kentucky Wildcats!
