Left to right: VFW Commander Les Smith, Lt. Patrick Weishaar, Fire Chief Ted Graf, and Junior Vice-Commander Fred Gage.
(KAIR)--Firefighter of the year.
That distinction is earned by Atchison Fire Department Lieutenant Patrick Weishaar, named with the honor by Atchison's VFW Post 1175. “I’m very honored, surprised.” Weishaar said. “It was a big surprise when they came in with a box of donuts and statue with the plaque on it and proceeded to tell me they had an award for firefighter of the year.”
The award, for 2016, was presented by Commander Les Smith and Junior Vice-Commander Fred Gage Monday.
Atchison Fire Chief Ted Graf says Weishaar deserves the recognition, nominated in part for the internal efforts of assistance he provided following last year's retirement of longtime Fire Chief Mike McDermed. “With the departure and retirement of our account clerk and of our fire chief, this left a big hole in our department,” said Atchison Fire Chief Ted Graf. “Pat was very instrumental in helping us getting the administrative side of our department figured out. It’s not so much about always what that individual does on an emergency scene, for example, it’s what they do behind the scenes as well. And that’s truly what makes Pat stand out.”
Weishaar began working for the Atchison Fire Department in 1999, serving in the role of lieutenant since 2011. “Guys I work with, co-workers, it’s kind of a team, kind of a family,” Weishaar said. “That’s probably the biggest motivation to come into work. But, I like the job, the calls we go on and helping the community. It’s a very rewarding job.”
VFW Post 1175 each year selects a Firefighter of the Year and a Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. That honor went to Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie last month.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Meriden teen injured in Jeff co wreck
Two arrested in rural Horton drug bust
USD 415 board approves resignations, new hires
Fake sports rings seized enroute to Atchison
Early Saturday house fire battled in Atchison
Topeka woman arrested in Jackson Co on drug charges
4th attorney appointed for TX man charged in fatal Jackson Co wreck
Hearing held on USD 115 land transfer petition
Failure to stop, Georgia warrants, hold Atchison man
8-year-old injured in mid-week Atchison wreck
New Mayor appointed for Lancaster
LV man sentenced for teen sexual attack
K-9 bridge replacement underway in Nemaha County
Motorcyclist injured in Winthrop, MO crash
Lansing inmate dead, investigation continues
Hiawatha street repair project approved
LATEST STORIES
Wamego man convicted of second fentanyl-related death
Electrical distribution project upgrades for Falls City
NPPD warns downed power lines can be deadly
MHMA Mock Trial Team wins state, heads to natls
Nebraska students taking advantage of dual credit courses
Lansing inmate dead, investigation continues
Motorcyclist injured in Winthrop, MO crash
Bird flu found in two KS dairy herds