The Waukee Fire Department awarded Firefighter/EMTs Blake Smith (below left) and Cole Kleinwolterink (below right) with its 2021 Firefighter of the Year honors. To receive this award, individuals need to go above and beyond their daily requirements of the job.
Blake Smith joined the Waukee FD as a part-time employee in August 2017. He has served as a full-time Firefighter/EMT since October 2020. Last year, Smith was on the department's Hose Committee, planned multiple trainings, was a quiet leader at training sessions and is currently in Paramedic school. Blake is a team player who is very deserving of this honor.
Known as "K-wink" around the fire station, Kleinwolterink has continually pushed himself and the organization to be better since he started as a paid-on-call employee in 2019. He was promoted to a full-time Firefighter/EMT in July 2020. In 2021, he served on the department's Ambulance Committee, attended multiple outside training opportunities and spent countless hours researching and planning training sessions for colleagues.
Several members of the Waukee Fire Department also marked service milestones (L-R in photos):
- Lt. Dan Wood - 20 years
- Chandler Thayer - 5 years
Ben Bruening, Josh Hutton, Chief Clint Robinson, Chet Shaffer and Blake Smith also received Lifesaving Awards.
Thanks to all for your continued dedicated service to the Waukee community!
