(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department held its annual banquet and awards program Saturday evening at the Willow Creek Golf Course country club. Fire Chief Dave Schipper presented the “Fire Fighter of the Year” award to Michael Hargens. Hargens achieved a 100 percent attendance for the Le Mars Fire Department’s training sessions, having attended all 39 sessions in 2014. Schipper said of Hargens that he was also able to respond to a majority of calls. Other awards that were presented included the Chief’s Award to Assistant Fire Chief Mike Wise, who was able to take over many tasks during Schipper’s absences. Both Wise and retired Captain Doug Harms were presented the “Fire Investigator’s Bar” for having completed training in fire investigation. Retired Captain Doug Harms was also presented a special recognition award for his long term commitment to the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department. Harms retired from the fire department due to a medical condition. An award of appreciation was presented to Kellen Excavation. Kellen Excavation provided several abandoned wrecked cars for the Fire and Rescue Department’s use during special training for extrication purposes. Kellen Excavation also assisted the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department during a rural fire call when a 100 year old Cottonwood tree had caught on fire and threaten to fall on a building. The crew from Kellen Excavation arrived on the scene and carefully cut down the tree, while still on fire, saving the building from being damaged. The attending banquet crowd enjoyed the hilarious stories and observations of comedian Rex Havens as he shared with the 135 people the comical differences between men and women. At the conclusion of the evening, the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department was called to assist the Oyens Fire Department at a residence with a high level of carbon monoxide.
