Department Awards and Personnel Recognition
Firefighter of the Year
The Firefigh
ter of the Year is awarded to the firefighter that exemplifies the true meaning of commitment and pride in the organization for the current year. This award process begins in the fall, and nominations for the award may be submitted from any rank within the organization. At the end of each year, the nominations are evaluated for merit by the department’s Award Committee which is made up of 4-5 individuals of varying rank and organizational responsibilities. The committee reviews each candidate and makes recommendations to the Fire Chief for final approval.
2024 Firefighter of the Year – FF/P Jeremy O’Brien
In addition to being a tremendous Firefighter and Paramedic, Jeremy O’Brien arrives at work every day with a great attitude. Jeremy was nominated by several co-workers and supervisors for this honor because he was involved in several departmental projects and instructed at numerous fire and EMS trainings throughout the year. Additionally, he attended several fire and leadership related classes in order to further advance his own professional development. FF/P O’Brien even purchased food for the Kettering Dispatchers during the busiest day of the year in 2024; when remnants of Hurricane Helene brought damaging winds and heavy rain through this area. Congratulations to FF/P Jeremy O’Brien, 2024 Firefighter of the Year. Jeremy also has several previous awards:
• Life Saving Award in 2022
• The Chief’s Award in 2023
• Four Letters of Appreciation
2023 Firefighter of the Year – FF/P Bryce Kuhn
Firefighter/Paramedic (FF/P) Bryce Kuhn was nominated and awarded the 2023 Firefighter of the Year as he has distinguished himself by maintaining excellence within the fire service profession.
FF/P BryceKuhn is involved with multiple activities at the Kettering Fire Department. He is a member of the Ohio Region 3 Rescue Team; he is a member of the Department’s Fire Investigation Team, he is a Fireworks Specialist, Peer Support Team Member, and Rescue Specialist in Trench Rescue, Building Collapse Rescue, and Ice Rescue. Bryce is a fire instructor and the Vice President for the Kettering Professional Firefighters Local 2150. Bryce is a vital member of the Honor Guard and through his military background has developed a deeper understanding of the importance behind honoring fallen firefighters. FF/P Kuhn is a vital part of his crew where he mentors new firefighters, provides excellent fire and EMS services to our community, and always maintains a positive attitude.
2022 Firefighter of the Year – FF/P Chris Caudill
Firefighter/Paramedic Chris Caudill came to the Kettering Fire Department from the Dayton Fire Department in 2019. FF/P Caudill was nominated for the Firefighter of the Year by two captains and their nomination read:
Chris was appointed PIO and has professionally excelled with creating and posting educational content for the Kettering community. He attended a PIO class for his new position, as well as posting many Kettering Fire Department events. Chris spent hours creating the public education video for Fire Prevention Week. He recognized the need for community relations between the Fire Department and the community. Chris has taken on the task of hose testing and researched ways to improve the system after recognizing the need for improvements. He implemented training with a Power Point presentation to all members. He implemented a new hose log for tracking purposes, as well as ordered new hose based on the testing. He spent countless hours reviewing and researching ISO ratings and ways the department can improve. Chris is on the City’s Health and Wellness Committee and attends meetings regularly. He works effectively in passing the information on to the members. He also patiently answers and addresses members concerns or questions as it related to the Wellness Program.
Chris is consistently early to work, dedicated, knowledgeable and has a great attitude. He is passionate about the fire service and is always ready to have conversations concerning improving the fire service. On emergency scenes Chris treats all residents professionally and respectfully. He has assisted residents with safety hazards numerous times. He stays current on training and is engaged at all departmental trainings. His supervisors and peers recognize his knowledge and skills on EMS incidents. Chris is also on the EMS advisory board for Premier Health.
Chris received the Chief’s Award earlier in the Year (2022) for going above and beyond on a flood in the structure alarm.