On Saturday, January 18, 2025, Elbert Fire Protection District (EFPD) held its annual awards ceremony to acknowledge the accomplishments of the department and members in 2024. EFPD responded to 186 calls and volunteer members put in a total of 8,797.25 hours for available time (station time). Considering EFPD only has 4 part-time staff covering the station and running medical calls Monday through Saturday, this reflects the dedication of the volunteers.  

Jesse Frisius, a member since 2023, received an award and a leather helment for putting in 1,111.25 hours, receiving Firefighter 1 certification and EMT certification. Members Colin Moore, Chuck Altvater and Peter Richardson received their IV certification.  Additionally, Colin Moore and Greg Albers received their Firefighter 1 certification and Colin Moore and Kasey Albers received their CPR Instructor certification. Chief Brandon Homer presented Jay Walp and Scott Field with appreciation plaques for their nine years of service on the Board of Directors. 

The Board (Jay Walp, Chair, Rich Barclay, Scott Field, John Thomas and Vince Pemberton) presented Chief Homer with the Lifetime Member Medal of Honor – Fire Department for his 33 years of demonstrated exceptional dedication, bravery, and sacrifice during his service as a firefighter. Life members are selected based on their distinguished years of service, outstanding leadership, training, mentoring, and a consistent record of heroic actions in the face of danger. This medal serves as a token of appreciation, recognizing their life-long commitment to protecting lives, property, and the well-being of the community. It stands as a beacon of pride, acknowledging their legacy as true heroes in the firefighting fraternity. Director Thomas stated “the Elbert Fire District Board of Directors, representing the community at large, recognizes Chief Brandon Homer’s 33 years of exceptional service and dedication to the district by presenting him the Lifetime Member Medal of Honor. Demonstrating a sustained commitment to excellence, he tirelessly worked his way up through the ranks to become fire chief in 2015. Despite challenging financial times, Chief Homer found innovative ways to acquire funding to upgrade his personnels’ equipment increasing their safety and effectiveness. Additionally, Chief Homer vastly improved the district’s capabilities and infrastructure by coordinating the financing and purchase of, one engine, two tenders an ambulance and a brush truck.  He also oversaw the acquisition of new land and the construction and operation of two new fire stations thereby greatly enhancing their ability to provide more efficient life and property protection services to the entire district which also reduced the district’s Insurance Services Office or, ISO, rating score to three thereby lowering every resident’s homeowner’s insurance policy premium. Chief Homer’s outstanding service and leadership to date is inspirational and is in keeping with the highest traditions the fire services profession.” Board Chair Walp said, “the department would not be where it is today without the hard work and dedication of Chief Homer. He works diligently to obtain grants and financing that allow the district to purchase new and better equipment for the safety of the members and community all without raising taxes.” 

EFPD looks forward to 2025.