Churubusco / Smith Twp. Fire Department » Tadd Shively

Two firefighters receive awards at annual banquet

Chris Tomlinson — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:52:18 +0000

During their annual elections and monthly business meeting Monday night, two Churubusco firefighters were given awards for dedication and heroism.

Ben Rinker was given the Firefighter of the Year award for his dedication to the department and it’s members. “Always willing to help out and be involved”, said firefighter Chris Tomlinson who presented Rinker with the award. Every week firefighters are asked to come down to the station and do maintenance on the trucks, clean the station and provide general housekeeping and Ben is always there willing to help out.

Tadd Shively received an Award of Heroism for saving the life of a woman from a burning mobile home in January of this year. Shively was the first firefighter to arrive on the scene and found heavy smoke coming from the mobile home and a woman still inside waiting for the fire department to show up. He acted quickly and safely in getting not only the woman but himself out of the mobile home before flames errupted from one of the rooms.

The department also elected their leadership for next year which is as follows:

Fire Chief: Roger Bennett
Asst. Chief: Wayne Krider
Board of Directors: Darrell Resler
Board of Directors: Chris Holloway
Board of Directors: Ben Rinker
Board of Directors: Kris Bair
Board of Directors: Justin Snyder
Board of Directors: Bruce Shanabarger
Board of Directors: Ron Slagal

These two men and the entire department could use a round of applause, so feel free to do so below.

2009 Fire Department Christmas Party

Chris Tomlinson — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:30:05 +0000

Firefighters, family members, children and yes even Santa showed up for a great dinner, companionship, food and fun Saturday December 5th at the American Legion in downtown Churubusco.

Ummmmm, was there a mixup in family members here?

Todd Shively shows off his... err.. umm... toilet seat gift

After The Fire

Chris Tomlinson — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:54:31 +0000

There are those times when firefighters do have a little bit of fun to relive some stress after a fire and it seems these firefighters did just that.

Chris Tomlinson, Darrell Resler, Eric Smith & Tadd Shively take a break after the fire

Darrell threatens the camerman

Local Fireman Receive Honors

Chris Tomlinson — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 17:19:26 +0000

On Saturday, Feb 3, 2007, six local firemen were honored at a luncheon in Fort Wayne by the Anthony Halberstdt Chapter, National Society Sons of the American Revolution. Their bravery and heroism at the accident scene in late September, 2006, where local student Samantha Merchant and Fort Wayne resident Charles Webb died and others were injured was recognized.

Certificates for Heroism were awarded to assistant chief Tadd Shively, captain Jim Horne, safety officer Ron Slagal, captain Chris Tomlinson and firefighter Matt Straub. A Heroism Medal and certificate was awarded to Smith Township Fire Chief and Commander on the scene, Kris Bair.

2006 Firefighter of the Year

Chris Tomlinson — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 18:36:32 +0000

For 6 years now, the department has been handing out awards for amazing rescues,life saving skills and of course, firefighter of the year. Each year, the committee bases their decision on things such as dedication, personality, attitude and the drive for the person(s) to go the extra mile.
This year, Ted Shively and Tim Rinker were given this award because of their constant involvement in the department during special events and emergencies. But both have also gone beyond the call of duty by not only serving their community, but their country. Both men have served a tour of duty during the Iraqi conflict and we owe them greatly for their contribution to the safety of our country.

Congratulations Ted and Tim on a job well done!

Award of Heroism

On January 18, 2006 Rinker was dining with his wife Amy and son Cameron when he was alerted by other people of an unresponsive man. After further evaluation, Rinker discovered the man had choked on food and passed out. Ironically, Rinker had been certified in CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. Ben acted quickly using his newly acquired skills and performed the Heimlich on the man clearing the obstructed airway.

Awards of Heroism

Firefighters Matt Straub, Chris Tomlinson, Tadd Shively, Ron Slagal and Jim Horne were honored December 11 th at an awards ceremony for saving the life of Tyler Fingerle.

On September 12 th 2006 emergency personnel responded to Bryie Road on a report of a vehicle accident with injuries. On arrival three patients were located outside of a vehicle that was sitting beneath power lines. It was confirmed that 2 of the 3 patients were dead on arrival and efforts were made to rescue of Fingerle from touching the downed power lines. All five firefighters put their lives on the line to rescue Fingerle and Monday he and his family joined the department for dinner and presentation of the awards to the firefighters.

Chief’s Award

Wade Bogard (left) and Ron Slagal were honored December 11 th at an awards ceremony at the fire station.

Both men served as the department training officers for 2006 and set a goal of at least 1 training a month for the year. These two men far exceeded that goal with a total of 16 department trainings and the training of 5 new recruits.

For their outstanding efforts this year, they were presented the Chiefs Award which stands for outstanding achievement and going beyond the call of duty for the department.

We Salute You

Chris Tomlinson — Sat, 12 Jun 2004 14:58:53 +0000

Volunteer firefighters often times hold down full-time jobs and even volunteer their services to their country. Shortly after 9/11 one of our own was sent overseas to protect our great country and these firefighters gathered to help remind him of home and that we were thinking of him.

Firefighters salute fellow fireman Tim Rinker while he was overseas