(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department held its annual awards banquet on Saturday evening. The 2017 Firefighter of the Year was awarded to a firefighter that began his duties in October of 2008. Firefighter number 20 Ethan Mitchell was presented the award by Fire Chief Dave Schipper and Assistant Chief Mike Wise. Mitchell has assisted with the upkeep and maintenance of the fire apparatus over the years. He is certified as a Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Emergency Medical Responder, Hazardous Materials Technician, Confined Space
Rescue, and recently completed his chauffeur driver’s training. Mitchell responded to over 60 percent of the rural and city fire calls in 2017. He also attended 42 of the 44 offered training sessions in 2017. Mitchell say he always felt the need to assist others, and that is why he joined the Le Mars Fire and
Rescue Department.
Mitchell remembers one of his earlier calls after joining the department was to what is now the Wells Blue Bunny Ice Cream parlor.
Mitchell is employed at Well’s Enterprises and is appreciative of the fact he can occasionally leave work to respond to a call.
Mitchell says he also appreciates the “family atmosphere” of the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department.
Prior to joining the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department, Mitchell was a firefighter with the Sanborn Fire Department.
Other awards were presented to former Le Mars Police Chief Stuart Dekkenga and former Le Mars Police Captain and interim chief Tim Hop for their assistance to the the fire department while serving the Le Mars community as police officers.
A special award of appreciation was presented to Doug and Doretta Heidebrink, owners of the Le Mars Taco Johns restaurant. The Heidebrinks have often donated food to the firefighters following long hours of responding to a call.
Other recognition honors included the retirement of 37-year fire
fighter veteran, Keith Hettwer. A special Chief’s pin of accomodation was awarded to firefighter Ken Ernst. Nick Dorr and Joe Morris were both given certificates for being a member of the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department for 15 years. The annual firefighters banquet also had a good representation of retired firefighters.
Retired Firefighters front row left to right: Retired Chief Wayne Schipper, Keith Hettwer, Doug Harms, Doug Carlson, Jordan Cave, Don Miller. Standing second row, left to right: Loren Harrington, Paul Grant, Mark Schleis, Ken Hansen, Dave Rolfes, J.C. Swanberg, Steve Dorr, Kim Whiltman, John Dorr, and Jake Ruden.
