Indian River's Firefighter of the Year - 2022

Thomas K. Charles

On Saturday, February 25^th, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company held its Annual Firefighter & Ladies Auxiliary Appreciation Banquet and announced the recipient for Firefighter of the Year - 2022 as Thomas K. Charles.

The Firefighter of the Year Award is considered an honor within the fire service to recognize one individual for their personal diligence, dedication, professional demeanor, and desire to excel beyond the call of duty by not only assisting those in need but attempting to make a difference while performing stellar acts of volunteerism.

Although not an award for heroism, this award is presented to the individual who has given unselflessly of themselves in support of the department, the fire service in general, and the community. 

This nominee was evaluated with attention to the following criteria:

• Dedication – The individual has demonstrated the highest degree of dedication and participation to activities within their fire department including training, fire response, public education and other fire department operations.

• Loyalty – The individual has demonstrated an allegiance to their fire service and to its fire fighters and officers.  This individual supports others efforts to achieve the goals of the fire service, supports their fire department’s policies and engages in activities aimed at improvements in the department or fire service community.

• Productivity – This individual has gone beyond normal duties of their position to make visible improvements that have enhanced the department’s ability to reduce fire losses and to better serve the community.

•Professionalism – This individual performs their fire service duties in a manner that exemplifies the competency that reflects the highest standards of the fire service and regularly demonstrates the ability to lead or follow based on the existing circumstances.

After joining Indian River’s volunteer fire service as an Active Member with at least 22 years of previous volunteerism experience from his home state and other fire departments, this nominee has attempted to lend a helping hand towards many emergency incidents, committee assignments, work around the firehouse, as well as attending many activities and vigorously participating in fire house activities, training, and professional development programs within the fire company. 

This nominee knows it’s a volunteer basis, but recognize the human factor and offers compassion and treats every situation as an opportunity to save somebody’s life or protect property with due care and diligence.  This nominee contributes as much time as possible while juggling other personal commitments.  This nominee does not hesitate stepping up and offering assistance or performing tasks requested of him.  During the 2022 Membership Year, Thomas attended 191 of the 472 emergency incident alerts for the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company.

Thomas hails from the Winding Creek Village development off Banks Road and responds out of Indian River's Long Neck facility.

Please join us in congratulating Thomas K. Charles.