South County firefighters earn awards

PANKS

FLAIM

BURNS

Firefighters across Shasta County were recognized and thanked by The Exchange Club of Redding on Thursday at a banquet in Win-River. The Exchange Club recognized a Firefighter of the Year from each district or department.

Anderson Fire

Robert Flaim won Firefighter of the Year in the Anderson Fire Protection District. Fire Chief Joe Piccinini nominated Flaim for the award.

As a third generation firefighter, Flaim's interest in fire suppression started at the age of 17. He joined the ROP program as a student firefighter while in high school. He has worked for private, state, federal and local agencies, Piccinini said.

In 2001, he joined the Anderson district as a volunteer firefighter to support and serve the community in which he and his family live, the chief explained.

"Robert is more then just a firefighter," Piccinini said of Flaim. "His attendance in all facets of Anderson Fire District's activities exceeds the standard."

As well as receiving Volunteer Firefighter of the Year in 2008, Flaim received the Chief's Award in 2006.

Flaim was selected for his outstanding community involvement including Anderson Explodes!, National Night Out and the annual harvesting and raising of the community's Christmas tree.

Cottonwood Fire

Volunteer firefighter Daniel Panks was elected Firefighter of the Year by fellow volunteers in the Cottonwood Fire Protection District.

Having only joined the district in August 2007, the 31-year-old Panks already serves as president of the Volunteer Firefighters of Cottonwood.

"He was chosen by volunteers and I highly support their decision," Fire Chief Jim Flaherty said. "He's highly dependable. I can count on him to show up in the middle of the night when others don't. What more can you ask?"

Panks volunteers about 10 hours each week in the district.

"I'm more than honored to receive the award," Panks said, "but everyone here is more than deserving. We work together as a tightly knit group."

Happy Valley Fire

Volunteer Troy Burns logged the most volunteer hours at the Happy Valley Fire Protection District to earn Firefighter of the Year, Fire Chief Joe Vasquez said. This marks Burns' third award and his second year in a row as Happy Valley's top firefighter.

"He was the most active member of the department," Vasquez said, adding that Burns also received his Class B license this year, allowing him to drive larger fire engines.

"I just enjoy doing it," Burns said, adding that he has volunteered a total of 10 years; five of which were spent in Happy Valley.