The Advocate
Copyright 2006 Capital City Press
All Rights Reserved
GONZALES, La. — Four future firefighters were honored for their commitment to the fire service during a recent banquet hosted by four Knights of Columbus chapters.
St. Amant Fire Chief and Constable James LeBlanc, serving as master of ceremonies at the annual Knights of Columbus Firefighter Appreciation banquet July 26, said despite their age the four nominated for the Junior Firefighter of the Year award all have a dedication to the fire departments they serve.
Justin Ellis’ interest in becoming a firefighter came out of his love of riding his four-wheeler in front of the fire station, according to the nomination letter sent by the Geismar Volunteer Fire Department.
Ellis, who was constantly being told by the firefighters to slow down in front of the station as he whizzed past on his four-wheeler, started stopping by the station, and eventually decided to join the department’s junior program.
Ellis, a student at Dutchtown High School, enjoys hunting and fishing when he is not at the station. In the nomination letter, the Geismar Fire Department volunteers praised the junior firefighter for his willingness to listen during training exercises.
Ellis was not able to attend the banquet.
Training has been an important part of the life of Galvez-Lake Volunteer Fire Department’s junior Firefighter of the Year, Chris Anderson.
Anderson regularly attends the department’s meetings and training sessions while holding down a full-time job.
He recently completed the fire responder class - an accomplishment few his age have tackled, said John Templet in his letter of recommendation for Anderson.
A high level of training also helped Johnathon Gautreau win the Seventh District Junior Firefighter of the Year honor.
Gautreau is certified in swift water, confined space and high angle rope rescue. He is taking an emergency medical technician basic class.
Ten-year-old Drake LeBlanc started his service at the St. Amant Volunteer Department when he was 8. Drake followed in the footsteps of his father who is the department’s fire chief, and grandfather who also served as a fire chief.
He has attended hazardous materials awareness, incident command and fire cause and determination classes.
The event was sponsored by the St. Theresa Council 2657, Father Clement Council 6389, St. Mark Council 8147 and St. John Council 8342.