The annual Firemen’s Ball was held April 20th at the Houston Community Hall. This event honours the volunteers that make up the Houston Volunteer Fire Department. It is a formal event with awards and recognition given to the members for their sacrifice and service to the community. This year we also celebrated multiple long service awards. Names and awards are inorder of photos.
Deputy Chief Perry Slaney - 20 years Deputy Chief Perry Slaney has been a volunteer firefighter and officer on the department for over 20 years. Deputy Chief Slaney leads the department with his unwavering commitment to the community, his unmatched drive and work ethic, and his desire get the job done efficiently. His passion for his role as firefighter and officer is evident in his attitude and his willingness to share his skills and knowledge with the entire department. Deputy Chief Slaney and the department have also been supported by his wife Helen and their family. Deputy Chief Perry Slaney was unable to attend this year’s ball due to family obligations.
Firefighter Mick Brown - 5 Years
Captain Sheldon Slaney - 20 Years Captain Sheldon Slaney has served the Houston community as a volunteer firefighter and officer for over 20 years. Captain Slaney is known for his dedication to the department and is especially known for his passion of service and teaching. He is an example of community building and is active in molding and inspiring young minds with education and fire hall tours to school age children. Captain Slaney is most passionate about getting the job done properly. With his training instruction, and compassionate guidance, the entire department benefits from his encouragement, critique and leadership.
His wife Amy Slaney and their family have also been a support to Captain Slaney and the department.
Captain Robert Lewis - 20 years Captain Rob Lewis has served the Houston community as a volunteer firefighter and officer for over 20 years.Captain Lewis takes all training exercises seriously and has become known for his focus on safety. As a family man what has always been most important to him was that everyone made it home safely. On each and every scene and practice, Captain Lewis is an example of leadership, professionalism, and service.
His wife Rose and their family have also been a support to Captain Lewis and the department.
Chief Jim Daigneault- 20 years Chief Jim Daigneault has served the Houston community as a volunteer firefighter and officer and Fire Chief for over 20 years. Chief Daigneault’s dedication to the community is evident his after hours and weekend responses when he is no longer on duty, and his willingness to work together with other emergency service agencies. He also pursues new training for the department and advocates for high quality equipment and supplies, keeping our department well trained and ready to respond to multiple types of emergencies. Chief Daigneault is constant and steady in his sacrifice and service to the department and the community. Chief Daigneault and the department have been supported by his wife Kathy and his family.
Firefighter of the Year - The award given to an exemplary firefighter recognizing the multiple contributions they bring to the department. Nominated: Jan Jaspers, Mick Brown, Lieutenant Les Morgan Awarded to: Mick Brown
Member of the Year - The firefighter who is considered the most well-rounded with good attitude, leadership, and willingness to learn with good safety awareness. Nominated: Laura Onderwater, Mick Brown Awarded to: Mick Brown.
Most Community Minded - The member who is a role model in the community, actively volunteering, and highlights the department in a positive way. Nominated: Captain Sheldon Slaney, Laura Onderwater, Lieutenant Shay Nichols. Awarded to: Laura Onderwater.
Most Dedicated - The member of the department who has attended the most calls and practices.
Nominated: Mick Brown, Evangelene Onderwater, Jan Jaspers Awarded to: Jan Jaspers.
Officer of the Year - The officer on the department that shows exceptional leadership, dedication, teamwork, encouragement, and support for all the firefighters. Nominated: Captain Sheldon Slaney, Lieutenant Robert Tobin, Lieutenant Les Morgan Awarded to: Captain Sheldon Slaney.
Captain Lewis, Captain Slaney, Chief Daigneault
Most Improved - The member of the department that has shown significant and continuous growth in their skills and knowledge. Nominated: Devon Tobin, Evangelene Onderwater, Nigel Onderwater Awarded to: Evangelene Onderwater.
Rookie of the Year - The rookie on the department that stands out with their eagerness, dedication, positive attitude, and willingness to learn new skills. Unanimous: Gage Stanyer
