On Saturday, May 7, Eastside Fire & Rescue (EF&R) held its second annual awards and recognition ceremony at Issaquah High School.

This year’s ceremony was unique due to the many recent changes at EF&R. The ceremony recognized the service and retirement of most of the organization’s upper leadership, including five Chief Officers, a human resources administrator, and an executive administrative assistant. Three new Chief Officers were recognized, as well.

The ceremony opened with the King County Firefighters Pipes & Drums, posting of colors by the EF&R Color Guard, and concluded with an address by newly hired Fire Chief Jeff Clark. Seven recently hired career firefighters were recognized, as were the promotions of five lieutenants and a battalion chief.

A moment of silence was observed for the deaths of firefighters Mike VanDenBergh and Volunteer Captain Walt Cameron.

Also part of the ceremony were the presentation of three commendation medals, including recognition of a Meritorious Service, Distinguished Service, and a Letter of Commendation for a firefighter’s lifesaving actions on the Stickpin Wildland Fire in Ferry County in 2015, and years of service recognition, for two officers at 30 years of service.

EF&R serves the communities of Issaquah, Sammamish, North Bend, Carnation, and the surrounding unincorporated Fire Districts 10 and 38. Learn more at www.eastsidefire-rescue.org.

Ceremony sponsors included Swedish-Issaquah Hospital, International Association of Firefighters Local 2878, and the Eastside Fire & Rescue Volunteer Association.