Amador County - The Jackson Volunteer Fire Department recently honored its “Firefighter of the Year” and two other special volunteers for their service during 2008. A new award was created this year to recognize Laura Craig, the Volunteer Firefighters Auxiliary member who helped lead a re-emergence of the organization. Laura helped coordinate the department’s famous Tri-Tip Sandwich booth at Dandelion Days, and worked with the auxiliary organization to provide support at other special events, including special training activities hosted by the Jackson Volunteer Fire Department.

Another new award was created by the JVFD to thank the non-officer volunteer who responded to the most calls for service. The award was dedicated to David Gardella who gave his life in the line of duty in June 1984. His wife Cely was on hand to help present the award to Cody Martinsen. Firefighter Martinsen has responded to 390 calls from January through November 2008, and is a reliable and valuable member of the Fire Department, never hesitating to respond at any time of the day or night. The final award was bestowed upon Franck Tremaine by Chief Mark Morton. Franck has been involved in the fire service for over 35 years and is valuable asset to the Jackson Fire Department and the community with his knowledge and expertise acquired during his tenure. A regular member of “strike teams” deployed to other regions of the state, he also was a strong advocate for Measure M and was charged with developing specifications for new fire apparatus equipment. Staff Report (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).