The Hometown Treasure January 2013 | Page 51

Topeka Fire Fighters Honored The Topeka Volunteer Fire Department, Station 30, held its annual Christmas and Recognition Banquet on Monday evening, December 3. Nate Sprunger and Greg Strawser were recognized for their ten years of service. Sprunger was also the recipient of the 2012 Red Haggard Fireman of the Year Award. Assistant Chief Pete Kaufman was named First Responder of the Year. Chaplain Harold Gingerich was recognized with an award for his dedication and service to the department. Bruce Coney with LaGrange County EMS was on hand to recognize ten firemen and a Topeka police officer for their life saving efforts on July 3, 2012. Their prompt response and stabilization efforts meant the survival of a victim who, following a heart attack, crashed his car into a Topeka natural gas substation. Station 30 officers for 2013 are: Stewart Bender Chief, Pete Kaufman Assistant Chief, Gerald Hershberger Captain, Adam Lambright Rescue Captain, Pat Martin Lieutenant (Sec/ Treasurer), Nate Sprunger Lieutenant, and Chris Miller Safety Officer. Ten Years of Service Award: Nate Sprunger and Greg Strawser. First Responder of the Year – Pete Kaufman receives award from Topeka Fire Chief Stewart Bender. 2012 Red Haggard Fireman of the Year Award: Nate Sprunger receives award from Doris Haggard, the wife of the late Red Haggard. Topeka Fire Department Chaplain Harold Gingerich and Topeka Fire Chief Stewart Bender. Cold Weather Projects 6” Wood Chipper Log Splitters Tables & Generators Stump Grinder Chairs Lifts for Tree Trimming Just south of US Highway 20 on State Road 5 • Shipshewana, Indiana “Call us for all your rental needs.” 260-768-7775 The Hometown Treasure · January ‘13 · pg 49