OAKHURST – The Oakhurst Community Center was filled with the friends and families of Madera County’s volunteer firefighters on Sunday, Apr. 27, as current members were honored for their service and new volunteers were welcomed to the ranks.
For over 25 years, Paid Call Firefighters (PCFs) in Madera County have been recognized with a luncheon, prepared and served by Cal Fire Battalion Chiefs, Station Captains and firefighters.
The food was purchased through generous donations from Pistoresi Ambulance and Sierra Ambulance, along with funds raised from the previous year’s luncheon.
Manning the food service line was Cal Fire Battalion Chief Chris Christopherson, who’s grandmother’s recipe for green beans and bacon is always a big hit. Engineer Joe Ferris and Battalion Chief Troy Cheek also wielded tongs and dished up lunch.
The proceeding were interrupted though, by a call-out to a fire just off Road 426. Firefighters on Madera County Engines 8, 18 and 212, and Cal Fire Engines 4294 and 4264 did what they always do – dropped everything and responded to the scene.
Fortunately, this turned out to be an unattended brush pile, and everyone was able to return to the festivities.
After BBQ’d chicken and tri-tip, Cal Fire Division Chief Don Stein invited each of the veteran Madera County Fire Department members who had reached the milestone of 5, 10, 15, 25, 35, and even 40 years to come forward and be recognized.
“The PCF ranks in Madera County are now nearly 200 strong,” said Stein. “We rely heavily on these volunteers and appreciate their service.”
District 5 Supervisor Tom Wheeler presented each with a Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation from the Madera County Board of Supervisors, noting their “dedicated service to the people of Madera County as Paid Call Firefighters.” (see complete list below)
Stein then introduced Cal Fire Battalion Chief Mike Surber, the man in charge of Training and Administration for Madera County Fire, and responsible for the training of the newest class of PCFs.
“Mike has an incredible work ethic,” said Stein. “He has done an outstanding job and put in countless hours to make the most of this recent Cadet Academy.
There was thunderous applause for the 23 new PCFs who will be bolstering the ranks of the Madera County Fire Department, as they came forward to be recognized.
“This group is diverse and motivated,” said Stein. “They are here to serve you on a daily basis, and have to juggle jobs and family to do this.”
The new PCF class then presented Engineer Ken Russell with a plaque in appreciation of his work as a lead instructor during their training, which he did above and beyond his regular duties at Station 8 in Coarsegold.
Chief Christopherson closed the ceremonies by welcoming the new recruits to their duties as Madera County firefighters.
“We are very happy with your efforts, and look forward to seeing you out in the field,” he said.
With the business portion of the afternoon concluded, it was time for everyone to line out their ticket stubs for a chance to win one of the dozens of raffle items donated by various businesses and individuals.
PCFs recognized for Years of Service:
5 Years of Service –
Co. # Name
10 Christopher Haynes
1RA Manuel Hernandez
10 Branden Landon
15 Nancy Madosky
12 Jonathon Malcolm
1 Juan Martinez
15 David Myers
1 Dominic Ochoa
11 Rachel Rivera
1RA Brian Schreiber
12 Sandy Verlench
2 Carl Watkins
17 Wayne Wellington
17 Freeman Wilfong
10 Chase Zinich
19 Sergio Guzman
3 Jarrod Gutierrez
19 Tanya Gonzales
16 Brian Doorley
10 John Day
15 James Craig
16 Blaine Burrow
13 Todd Bates
10 Years of Service –
12 John Peterson
19 Mark Kellner
15 Years of Serivce –
3 Sandra Opfergelt
17 Matt Bigelow
25 Years of Service –
1 Michael Adames
35 Years of Service –
19 Don Chase
40 Years of Service –
2 Warren (Gene) McRee
