FF Kerns

20-year-old Kerns was presented with the highest honor in the Bellbrook Fire Department, the Larry Gosnell Memorial Volunteer of the Year award, at the department's annual awards dinner Saturday, December 2, 2000.

Chief Scott Hall and Lt. Derek Montgomery, president of the Bellbrook Firefighters' Association, presented the award to Kerns, who was nominated and selected by his peers.

Kerns is enrolled in Sinclair Community College's Fire Science Technology program, where he obtained his Level 2 fire certification and Emergency Medical Technician certification this year. In addition to school commitments, Kerns is very active in many department programs.

One of those programs is what got him involved in the fire service in the first place. Kerns previously served as a lieutenant in the department's Cadet Division, and now works with the program as an adviser.

Chief Hall was very happy to present the award to Kerns.

"Dave has worked very hard this year and this is just one way his peers have chosen to thank him for his dedication to the department," Hall said. "I'm very proud of him."

Firefighter Athena Robbins, who oversees the Cadet Division, said his help has been priceless.

"We're very lucky to have several advisers who grew up in the Cadet Division and Dave is an incredible asset to the program," she said. "He has no problem relating to the kids because he spent several years in their shoes."

Two other awards were given at the event.

• Firefighter Jim Crowe was honored with a Commitment to Youth award for his work with the CPR program at Bellbrook Junior High School. Crowe volunteers his time to certify every sixth grade student in CPR each year.

• Firefighter Gregg Nartker was presented with the department's Image Award for his work with the city's Bellbrook TV project.

Release I00-12