Orchard Fire Department presents awards

Orchard Fire & Rescue recognized department members for years of service, Jan. 17.

Three members will be retiring from the squad, including Duane Risinger, 42 years; Irene Risinger, 40 years and Myron Hergert, from Orchard EMS, 40 years.

Six department members were honored for their years of service to the department and community.

Receiving awards were Dean Holliday, 35 years; Larry Mieras, 35 years; Kathy Belik, 35 years; Pat Bergman, 20 years; Ben Sayers, 15 years and Colton Hahn, five years.

Officers for the upcoming year include Kyle Maxwell, fire chief; Pat Bergman, first assistant fire chief; Ryan Bergman, second assistant fire chief; Lucas Nelson, quartermaster; Colton Hahn, rescue chief; Marissa Nelson, assistant rescue chief; Josh Stelling, president; Austin Hilkemeier, vice president; Scott Horstmann, secretary; Kathy Belik, treasurer; Colton Hahn, training officer and certificate administrator.

During 2021, Orchard Fire & Rescue responded to 44 ambulance calls and 12 fire calls and welcomed three new members Samuel Schmidt, Mallory Cooper and Taylor Schwager.