Fire Department 2024 award ceremony held
Paramedic, Firefighter, Crew of the Year among nominees
By DON WILBURN
donaldfwilburn@gmail.com
At the most recent West Memphis City Council meeting, members of the West Memphis Fire Department were honored for their exceptional service and lifesaving actions in 2024. The evening was _lled with recognition, ,heartfelt moments and a reminder of the dedication that these _rst responders bring to their roles every day.
Paramedic Stacie McMillon was named West Memphis Fire Department’s Paramedic of the Year for 2024. Her unwavering commitment to improving the department through her collateral duties and her excellence as a paramedic earned her this well-deserved honor. The Emergency Medical Services Crew of the Year award went to Captain/ Paramedic Brian Bedinger, Division Chief Charles Brakensiek, Fire_ghter/ EMT Noah Lowrance, Fire_ghter/Paramedic Mark Maxwell, and Paramedic Gentry Yates. The crew was honored for their quick thinking and skilled care during an intense call on Oct. 23, 2024. Responding to a 5-year-old in respiratory- based cardiac arrest, the team worked seamlessly to take over CPR from police of_cers, provide advanced life support, and administer medications to stabilize the child. Their efforts led to the child’s full recovery and safe return home.
The Fire Crew of the Year award recognized Captain Sidney “Trey” Gately, III, Lieutenant John Holloway, and Fire_ghter/Paramedic Marcus Vowell for their heroic actions during a house _re on Dec. 30, 2023. When they arrived at the scene they were alerted to a victim trapped inside. Captain Gately entered the burning house alone and without the protection of a hoseline to search for the victim. After locating the _re and directing additional crews to extinguish it, the team found and rescued a 69-year-old woman from the ames.
Fire_ghter Noah Holt was named Fire_ghter of the Year for his dedication to training _re_ghters across Arkansas, his involvement as a member of the Special Operations Response Team, and his overall contributions to the department. Holt’’s peers and leaders recognized him as a valuable asset who is committed to helping others grow in their profession while consistently excelling in his own work.
Division Chief Robert Mabe received the Command Staff of the Year award, a recognition he has humbly declined in the past but _nally accepted this year. Mabe, known for his leadership and humility, said, “This award really belongs to my team. They’re the ones who deserve the credit, and I’m proud to serve alongside them. But I’m truly honored to be recognized by the department.”
Mabe’s acknowledgment highlighted the collaborative spirit that de_nes the West Memphis Fire Department.
Mayor Marco McClendon commended the honorees, emphasizing how their actions save lives and bring hope to the community during its most challenging moments. For the men and women of the West Memphis Fire Department, their work isn’t just a job – it’s a calling.
The men and women of the WMFD prove once again that not all heroes wear capes.
Photo by Don Wilburn
