Firefighter of the Year honors - Exchange Club of Redding

Redding Exchange Club Firefighter Awards

Reported by: Linda Watkins-Bennett

Firefighting requires extensive training, bravery, and risk-taking ... and not everyone is cut out for the job.  But those who do the work, and do it well, were recognized today by the Exchange Club of Redding.

  A dozen firefighters from both city and county agencies received Firefighter of the Year honors . While they were grateful to the Exchange Club, they were especially proud to be recognized by their peers.

  Brenda Massingham is a single mother of two, and a dedicated volunteer.  She was named as the Shasta Fire Departments Firefighter of the Year, "It's something dear to my heart and I hope to be inspiration to younger men and women to seek a career in fire service."

  Danny Sykes has served as the equiptment fleet manager for Cal Fire Shasta County for ten years. He was recognized for his knowledge, leadership and planning. Sykes says it's like working with one big family, "I was 100 percent surprised to receive the award. I've been to several of these where peers received them over the years. It's outstanding ... amazing."

  Fire Inspector Craig Wittner says it's an honor to serve the community, and to work for the Redding Fire Department, "I've looked up to these guys for years. To get to stand next to them at jobs , to see what they do, for me it's like an e ticket ride."

  The Chairman of the Exchange Club Event happens to be the Fire Chief in Old Shasta.  Mark Todd says, "It's a great morale booster. A lot of people work tirelessly, and volunteers spend 100's of hours training and going to calls, and it's great to recognize them and it's really appreciated."

  Todd says club members feel it's important to give recognition where recognition is due .... which is why they also host Police Officer of the Year, and Scholar Athlete awards.

Source: KHSL - http://www.khsltv.com/content/localnews/story/Redding-Exchange-Club-Firefighter-Awards/2paWdZ8YRE-1ltDnUBwrWg.cspx