News Flash

Liberal Fire Department announces annual awards

City News Posted on March 06, 2025

The Liberal Fire Department recently hosted their annual awards and recognition ceremony honoring employees and volunteers who work to keep our community safe. We commend each of them for their hard work! Awards included:

Years of Service –

Tyler Kulow accepts 5 Yrs Service Award

Tyler Kulow: 5 Years


Aaron Luman accepts 10 Yrs Service Award

Aaron Luman: 10 Years


Mario Munoz: 10 Years (not pictured)


Ragan Dreitz accepts 20 Yrs Service award

Ragan Dreitz: 20 Years


Brian Fornwalt accepts 25 Yrs Service award

Brian Fornwalt: 25 Years

 

Training Achievements –


Jaime Lamas and Jesus Valencia with their Firefighter 1 Traditional Helmets

Jaime Lamas & Jesus Valencia:  These firefighters recently obtained their Firefighter 1 certification (Jaime also completed Firefighter 2).  These are nationally accredited certifications.  They earned their "Traditional Helmet & Shield" identifying them on fire scenes as fully trained personnel.


D. Loesch, A. Luman, and J. Torres receive their Fire Service Leadership Apprentice recognition

Daniel Loesch, Aaron Luman & Jose Torres:  These gentlemen have completed a one-year Fire Service Leadership apprenticeship through Hutchinson Community College and Kansas Department of Labor.  The course is taught by retired Fire Chief Jeff Deal and earns them a nationally recognized Journeyman certificate and title.

 

Special Awards –


Elias Olson receives his Rookie of the Year award

Elias Olson:  Rookie of the Year - Awarded to the outstanding firefighter with 6 to 18 months of service as nominated by their peers.

 

Ronnie Sumner receives his Volunteer Firefighter of the Year award

Ronnie Sumner:   Volunteer Firefighter of the Year - Ronnie is a multiple time recipient of this award spanning his 32 year career as a Volunteer Firefighter.  He is employed full time by Black Hills Energy who allows him great latitude in responding to emergencies any time of the day or night.  His dedication and loyalty in the service of his community is unrivaled.

 

Aaron Luman receives his Firefighter of the Year award

Aaron Luman:   Firefighter of the Year - Awarded to a member of the department for outstanding performance in all aspects of the job as nominated by their peers.

 

Congratulations and thank you all for your service to the City of Liberal!