Employee Appreciation

Klamath County Fire District 1 holds an Annual Employee Appreciation Dinner at the beginning of each year to honor members for the previous year. 

Firefighter of the Year - Firefighter- Jeremy Valdez 

Award Criteria: 

• Performs well during emergency operations, and has an outstanding knowledge and ability in their roles and responsibilities at incident scenes.
• Has a loyal and positive attitude about the department, and conveys that attitude to co-workers and customers.
• Exhibits exemplary work habits, is productive during work time and completes additional tasks and/or assists others with their work.
• Works and communicates well with other employees at all levels of the organization.
• Leads by example.
• Consistently looks for ways to increase their own productivity, and that of the department. Is mindful of resources and associated costs, and suggests or participates in cost-reduction efforts.

EMS Provider of the Year - Paramedic - Leland Ortis

Award Criteria: 

• Consistently displays commendable on scene performance by demonstrating mastery of EMS skills, protocols and knowledge.
• Displays a loyal and positive attitude about EMS and the Fire District, and conveys that attitude to coworkers and customers.
• Works and communicates well with other employees at all levels of the organization.
• Consistently looks for ways to improve their own EMS skills and knowledge and that of co-workers.
• Is a role model for other employees as associated to the daily delivery of EMS (report writing, training, etc.).
• Consistently looks for ways to increase their own productivity, and that of the department. Is mindful of resources and associated costs, and suggests or participates in cost-reduction efforts.
• Works to improve the delivery Fire District provided EMS through participation in projects and committees.

Warren Award - Division Chief of Training - Brent Knutson

The Warren Award is an honorary award named after Sam and Elsie Warren who have both been very active members of Klamath County Fire District 1 since its inception back in 1948. Sam received the Firefighter of the Year award multiple times during his 35-years of dedicated service as a volunteer firefighter. Sam passed away in 2012. Elsie started working for the Fire District in 1960 as a secretary and retired in 1986 as an Administrative Assistant. She then continued to serve the Fire District on Board of Directors and the Budget Committee. She passed away in 2014. Both of the Warrens have been historically renowned for their dedicated service and participation in the development of the Fire District as it exists today. They exemplified true passion and dedication to the fire service. 

Award Criteria: 

• Known as a “good person” and for being dependable, responsible and honest.
• Recipient is a “problem solver” especially in tough times or times of need.
• There is no doubt the individual will do their assigned job.
• Is known for not quitting even when presented with difficult situations or tasks.
• Promotes a sense of family within the organization by taking care of other members.
• Is a friend to the public and makes an extra effort to assist them in taking care of their needs.
• Is an ambassador of goodwill for both the Fire District and its members.
• Has a positive attitude about the Fire District, and conveys that attitude to co-workers and customers.
• Is proud to be a member of the Fire District and is always supportive of the Fire Districts best interests.
• Recipient’s family is also supportive of the individual and the Fire District.
• Is accepting of change as it occurs within the organization.
• Champions for causes in a positive manner.
• Works and communicates well with other employees at all levels of the organization.
• Suggests and presents their ideas for change in a convincing manner without being self serving. Maintains positive understanding when their ideas are not implemented.
• Encourages others to succeed in their careers and provides mentoring.