Cheyenne Fire Rescue celebrates 2023 awards and promotions

Published on December 08, 2023

More than two dozen members of Cheyenne Fire Rescue were recognized for their accomplishments at CFR’s annual awards and promotion ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 7.

The department celebrated members’ continued service, life/career goals, completion of probation, and promotions as well as specific awards like the SAVE awards, Legacy Awards (Mike Head Sharpshooter Award, Doug Beach Resiliency Award, Chief’s Team Player Award), and the Mayor’s Coin for Excellence.

“We recognize the hard work and dedication of many of our members throughout this year,” said Battalion Chief Kipp Sanders, who also served as the master of ceremonies for the event. “They have committed themselves to excellence and we would like to recognize their efforts and say, ‘thank you.’”

Chief John Kopper and Mayor Patrick Collins thanked the many families that attended the ceremony and expressed their gratitude for the commitment, dedication, and support to their loved ones that serve the Cheyenne community every day. Chief Kopper said,

“I’m very proud and humble by the professionalism and hard work that our men and women display on a daily basis,” Kopper said. “Cheyenne Fire Rescue will continue to serve the community with our core values at the forefront of our efforts: integrity, professionalism, pride, accountability, service, and dedication.”

Those recognized were:

Service Awards

Lieutenant Rodney Olson, 25 years, August 10, 1998 – August 10, 2023

Mr. James Schamerhorn, 20 years, September 15, 2003 – September 15, 2023

Engineer James Rogers, 20 years, September 15, 2003 – September 15, 2023

Lieutenant Neil Durante, 20 years, February 24, 2003 – February 24, 2023

Lieutenant Daniel Culter, 15 years, March 3, 2008 – March 3, 2023

Battalion Chief Robert Mason, 15 years, September 8, 2008 – September 8, 2023

Engineer Richard Houdek, 15 years, March 3, 2008 – March 3, 2023

Engineer Derek Pollnow, 15 years, March 3, 2008 – March 3, 2023

Engineer Scott Nelson, 10 years, February 11, 2013 – February 11, 2023

Firefighter Patrick O’Brien, 10 years, February 11, 2013 – February 11, 2023

Engineer John Coonts, 10 years, August 19, 2013 – August 19, 2023

Firefighter Nathan Pugel, 10 years, August 27, 2012 – August 27, 2023

Firefighter Zachary Fangman, 5 years, August 20, 2018 – August 20, 2023

Firefighter Rory Fichtner, 5 years, August 20, 2018 – August 20, 2023

Firefighter Tanner Lesco, 5 years, August 20, 2018 – August 20, 2023

Firefighter Robert Kreps, 5 years, February 20, 2018 –February 20, 2023

Leadership Cheyenne graduate

Battalion Chief Don Wood

Paramedic School Completion

Firefighter Rory Fichtner

Firefighter Ricky Garnica-Cole

Firefighter Chris Robberson

Grimp Day 2023 Technical Rescue World Champions

Lieutenant Terry Lam

Engineer Jon Bertsch

Completion of Probation (Firefighter Badge Pinning)

Firefighter Rowdy Fichtner

Firefighter Daniel Tinetti

Firefighter Richard Czaikowski

Firefighter Max Stevens

Firefighter Christopher Robberson

Promotions

Deputy Chief Andrew Dykshorn

Battalion Chief Don Wood

Battalion Chief Robert Mason

Lieutenant Jason Lindsay

Lieutenant Andrew Dyl

Engineer David Beightol

Engineer John Coonts

Engineer Ryan Seaberg

Sandy Garcia Office Manager

SAVE Award

The Life Saving Award is presented to first responders whose performance was conducted with prompt and alert action that specifically resulted in the successful saving of a human life.

Call # 2023-3996

Acting Lieutenant Derek Pollnow

Acting Engineer Bradley Hall

Firefighter Nathan Pugel

Call # 2023-8909

Lieutenant Chris Thoms

Engineer John Coonts

Firefighter Rick Garnica-Cole

Firefighter Stephen Buening

Firefighter Rory Fichtner

Firefighter Vince Padovano

Firefighter Max Stevens

Legacy Awards

The Lieutenant Michael Head Sharp-Shooter Award is for someone who displays accuracy, exactness, and precision in their craft.

Engineer Sarah Delay

The Engineer Doug Beach Resiliency Award is for someone who shows the capacity and fortitude to recover from difficulties and challenges with physical and mental toughness.

Mrs. Sandy Garcia

The Chief’s Team Player award embodies the concept of putting others above yourself to better the organization and the team.

Battalion Chief John Fitzgerald

Mayor’s Coin for Excellence

Lieutenant Rodney Olson

Engineer Tom Turner