KCFR employees earn state awards

POST FALLS — Kootenai County Fire and Rescue has two state employees of the year as recognized by the American Legion.

Justin Capaul was named Firefighter of the Year and Shane Anderson Paramedic of the Year during last month's 98th annual Idaho State American Legion Commander's Banquet in Moscow.

"We are very proud of them on their selection and for the work they do every day," KCFR Chief Warren Merritt said.

Capaul, a fourth-generation firefighter, started in the fire service in 2000 as a volunteer. He has worked full time in the service since 2005.

"Once you get into fire service, it's in your blood," Capaul said. "I live and breathe the fire service. It's a team sport. We live together, eat together and work together."

Capaul said being a firefighter keeps you on your toes, which he enjoys.

"You never know what to expect when you come to work every day," he said. "You have to be a jack of all trades. We may get a call about leaky water pipes, a house fire or a medical emergency. There's that adrenaline rush of not knowing what you're going to be doing each day."

Capaul said he's humbled by the award, but also said he couldn't have earned it alone.

"I'm surrounded by great people who make me succeed," he said.

Capaul, who has been with KCFR for a total of 15 years, was the agency's 2015 recipient of the Dedication and Devotion Award, the highest honor the district has.

Capaul led a team that outfitted three new fire engines the district purchased in late 2015. He organized the Administrative Field Day and is the lead for selection, procurement and distribution of the district's fire equipment.

"He demands and receives the best from his crews and his supervisors he works with," KCFR Capt. Rick Clutter wrote in his nomination for Capaul. "He accomplishes this by providing leadership, mentoring, educating and passion for his people."

Anderson, a firefighter/paramedic, has been with KCFR for five years. He is a designated paramedic preceptor for KCFR. As a preceptor he works closely with newly certified paramedics as they gain experience and work their way through a process that clears them to work as a single paramedic on the paramedic ambulances staffed by the district.

Anderson received a Letter of Commendation for his efforts caring for a gunshot victim. The nomination stemmed from not only his actions on scene but reports from trauma care physicians at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Anderson is also a paramedic instructor at Inland Northwest Health Services.

"He handles each situation with a grace and compassion that inspires others to be better care providers," Firefighter/Engineer Brett Lynch wrote while nominating Anderson.