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- Jade Ames

Firefighter Ames consistently demonstrates exceptional professionalism, clinical skill, and dedication to patient care. Jade is well respected among all employees and when on scene he remains hyper-focused, calm and direct with impeccable actions. He ensures a calm, efficient and technically proficient response during calls.

Jade’s interactions, whether as a senior firefighter, supporting paramedic, FTC, or acting Captain, are exemplary examples of the District’s leadership standards. Jade’s commitment to high-quality care, teamwork, mentorships, managing interpersonal issues, and his mastery of skills and leadership, reflect great credit upon himself and the District.  

EMS Provider of the Year - Paramedic - Dean Limb

Firefighter Limb places EMS at the top of his professional priorities and demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence in patient care, advocacy and service to the community. His on-scene interactions with patients and their family serves the patient’s best interests, and his skills and decision-making on critical incidents are always at a high level. 

Dean is dedicated to professional development for himself and his peers, always exemplifying leadership and selflessness. He provides consistent, fair, supportive and enthusiastic instruction. His passion for EMS creates a positive and effective learning experience, ultimately contributing to the success of all employees.

Warren Award - Captain - Kyle Schultz

 With 25 years of service at Fire District 1, Captain Schultz consistently demonstrates what it means to be a dedicated fire service professional and a genuinely good person. Kyle is well respected, dependable, reliable, responsible, and honest. Kyle is looked to as a leader throughout the department and willingly offers his years of departmental knowledge and experience to the next generation of firefighters. 

Winning the Warren award is an honor and provides an opportunity to recognize a lifetime of dedicated service and commitment to the District and the community we serve. Captain Schultz has admirably proven to be a worthy recipient of the Warren Award.

Chief's Award of Excellence - Captain - Cole VanEssen

Captain Van Essen consistently demonstrates outstanding work, however, the multiple impactful projects taken on during the past year truly set him apart. Cole plays a key role in developing our future leaders and strengthening the foundation of the organization through trainings, and equipment changes that improve efficiency, deployment and standardization across the apparatus. These projects require careful planning, coordination, and a deep understanding of both operational needs and real-world application.

Cole is one of the most respected members of our department and approaches every task with initiative, professionalism, integrity, a first-class attitude and a commitment to excellence. One of Cole’s most admirable qualities is his willingness to ask tough questions and respectfully challenge decisions when necessary, demonstrating not only leadership and critical thinking, but also an unwavering dedication to improving the department and doing what is best for our mission.

Merit Awart - Firefighter Kyle Brink

Firefighter Brink was honored this year for exemplifying extreme compassion and generosity, going far above and beyond for our community members. By taking just a few extra minutes when needed, Kyle projects a kindness and concern that exemplifies outstanding patient care.