Mariposa County Fire Department (MCFD) sponsored the 16th annual Appreciation Barbecue to thank its volunteer members for another successful year of serving their communities’ emergency service needs. The day’s agenda began with games and activities for children. In between MCFD hosted a tri tip and chicken dinner for members, families and friends as well as a raffle for prizes generously donated by County merchants.

Following the meal, MCFD honored its 2009 outstanding members. Receiving special department-wide recognition for exceptional achievement were:

Rookie of the Year: Carol DeSilva, Fish Camp; Firefighter of the Year, Kevin Jackson, Mormon Bar; EMS Responder of the Year, Gonzalo Tafoya; Support Member of the Year, Lori Setterberg; Captain of the Year: Steve Kitchen, Mt. Bullion; Company of the Year: Don Pedro Company 24.

On behalf of the company, Captain Tina Sula accepted the perpetual trophy awarded to the Company of the Year; a silver cast fire bell. With perfect weather and no major fires to draw down local resources, member and family attendance was at an all-time record.

Students from Mariposa County High School Grizzly Fire program were integral to the day’s success. As a team, they assisted with setting tables, serving food, prize raffles, and cleaning up. In addition to MCFD members, engine crews from CAL FIRE also participated.

The award ceremonies began with the outstanding member from each station. Recognized were: Station 21, Midpines: Gonzalo Tafoya; Station 22: MPUD, Russ Marks; Station 23, Catheys Valley: Richard Chapman; Station 24, Don Pedro: Carly Bozsik; Station 25, Mount Bullion: David Sizemore; Station 26, Coulterville: Michelle Turpin; Station 27, Mormon Bar: Kevin Jackson; Station 29, Lushmeadows: Ron Setterberg; Station 31, Greeley Hill: entire company; Station 32, Ponderosa Basin: Fred Neumeyer; Station 36, Hunters Valley: Ralph Finch; Station 37, Bootjack: entire company; and Mariposa Grizzly FD: Kevin Jackson II.

Also recognized through a special Chief’s Award for extraordinary achievement were: Setterberg, Debbie Cook, Company 26, Coulterville; and Chief Phil Whitson of the Grizzly Fire Department.