Northern Lakes Fire employees honored
<p>Firefighter/EMT Jarrod Pitts, right, was named Firefighter of the Year for the Northern Lakes Fire District, which serves Hayden, Rathdrum and Hayden Lake. On the left is former Chief Dean Marcus.</p>
<p>Northern Lakes Fire District Employees of the Year include Lori Brickey, far left, Valerie Knapp, pictured to the right of former Chief Dean Marcus and Penny Laird.</p>
<p>Larry Clark</p>
<p>Joe Mallrie</p>
HAYDEN — Jarrod Pitts was named Firefighter of the Year for Northern Lakes, while other employees were honored with Life Saving Awards and other service during the district's annual banquet at the Coeur d'Alene Shriners Hall in Hayden.
Northern Lakes — which covers 108 square miles in Hayden, Hayden Lake and Rathdrum — responded to about 4,500 calls for service in 2015.
Pat Riley, former deputy chief of operations for Northern Lakes, was promoted to fire chief, replacing Dean Marcus.
Life Saving Awards were presented to: Greg Haddick, Eric Sorenson, Justin Brodin, Phil Duzet, Cody Moore, Ryan Alltus, Scott Hoochberger, Amanda Tams, Phil Foley, Caleb Tyler, Burt Maines, Joe Mallrie, Aaron O'Brien, Matt Dill, Michael Duke, Jerry Moreau, Forrest Muthersbaugh and Marcus.
Employees of the Year were Lori Brickey, Valerie Knapp and Penny Laird.
Battalion Chief Marc Ghirarduzzi was honored for 25 years of service; and Riley, Battalion Chief Brad Belmont and Capt. Jerry Moreau Jr. for 20 years.
EMT Joe Mallrie was named Volunteer of the Year, while Lakeland Joint School District Superintendent Brad Murray earned the Community Partnership Award.
Commissioner Larry Clark received special recognition for 10 years as a member of the board and dedication to the district.