By: Arlynn Del Cid
On February 9, 2023 Rialto celebrated our firefighters with their annual ceremony which had not been done since Covid. The event was held at Sunrise Church here in Rialto. To start off the night the top firefighters were first announced of which received a blue helmet and were pinned by their desired family members some chose their children, wife, fathers or mothers. While other fighters received a bright yellow helmet which means they are a probationary member as for a blue cap it signifies that a firefighter can do everything but enter a burning building.
Once the top firefighters were mentioned, our fellow firefighters who retired in 2022 were recognized with a token of appreciation. Among those retirees were Dylan Del La Rosa who was an engineer and served for 21 years, Engineer Justin Leysek who served for 19 years, and Angela Licurse who served for 17 years.
The night went on with a captivating video of which recapped the year of 2022 for our firefighters. The video had many images of the fighters having fun amongst themselves, family photos and of course chilling images on how they save so many lives on a daily. Images that can move anybody's heart and soul even more with upbeat music in the background reminding you that you are powerful and are capable of anything in the world . The song includes " Glory" by The Score, "Fire On Up" by the Paper Kings, and "Legends are Made" by Sam Tinnesz.
The same night the Citizen award went to Jodi Roberts who lost her husband in 1997. Her husband became an engineer here in Rialto. Since the death of her husband she has dedicated her time to serve our community, joining women's clubs and making sure our community is in great shape all around. Roberts believes “that there are endless things a group of people can do for the love of their community” which is why she was awarded the 2022 Citizen award. As well as the Distinguished Deserving Award went to George Garay who greets everyone with a smile and has a fun and charismatic personality that lights up every room. Garay reviewed this award for the love he has for his community, he is the reason Rialto’s toy drive ranked at #2 while other years it had be #30. Jo accomplished many things and did all of the will being in paramedic school.
With the night coming close to an end with the Pride award and Firefighter of the year award awaiting to be given out. This year the Pride award was given to Teresa of who is the 2nd woman to receive this award in Rialto's 118 year history.
The night wasn’t complete without the award of 2022 Firefighter of the year award of whom was given to Nathan Smith. Smith’s attend Dollahan Elementary, graduated 1st class at Kusara Middle School, and was an Eisenhower graduate Nthans dream of working in the city he grew up in came true when the Rialto fire department hired him in 2016 as an air pilot he brought the same skill set drive and with ethic from his previous employment which lead him to be awarded the EMS Responder award in 2018, in 2019 he attended Victor Valleys college 51st fire camping and was later promoted to a full time firefighter paramedic position with the Rialto fire department. As a firefighter he became a member of CQI the employee recognition committee and honor role additionally he manages the department's decals, tablets, radios and provides training for our AOO captions. In his free time he likes Golphing, cooking and BBQing , his greatest pleasure is being with his wife Karina and his 2 children. Smith has a contagious smile and believes in helping individuals in the department in any way he can. Smith's solid service to our Department was why he was an easy choice for the “Firefighter of the year award.”
To close off the night our mayor Grace Vargas went up on stage to give a short speech among many things she said she left us off by saying “these firefighters have become our family they are awake 24 hours keeping us safe so we can enjoy our time in our city.”
I would also like to give a huge thanks to every firefighter in our Department for working hard day and night keeping us all safe. As well as special thanks to Pastor Dvaid at Sunrise church for allowing me to be a part of this ceremony. Thank you!!
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