Fire Chief Curt Vandertie from the Brussels-Union-Gardner (BUG) Fire Department has announced recent awards presented to a number of BUG Firefighters on January 14, 2023. The following Firefighters were recognized for their current years of service to the BUG Fire Department:

5 years:

Noel Baudhuin

Austin Griep

James Trae Kluth III

30 years:

Dan Kroll

The following are newly retired:

Travis Price: served for 18 years

Mike Paye: served for 10 years

The fire department also welcomed 1 new member who joined during the past 12 months. She is Firefighter Daria Ahrens.

In addition, the department recognized an outstanding Firefighter with the annual Golden Axe Award. This award is given to a Firefighter who has demonstrated outstanding dedication in all aspects of the fire department over the past 12 months. This includes such things as training, call response, meeting attendance, fundraising efforts, special projects, and all the extras that need to be done to make the department function efficiently.  This year’s Golden Axe Award was presented to Firefighter Dan Kroll.

Finally, the BUG Firefighters welcomed and acknowledged several honorary guests for the support and service they display toward the fire department. First, canteen volunteers Debby and Paul DeWitt  for the help they provide in response to incidents to support our volunteers with food and refreshments. Second, Ken and Mary Vander Loop from Ken’s Sports for their ongoing support and donations of the fire department’s UTV, Jet Ski and Snowmobile. Finally, Dave and Sue Marchant of Marchant’s Foods for their long standing and ongoing support to our BUG Firefighters and the BUG Fire Department.

BUG Fire extends a special thank you to all of its Firefighters who continue to proudly serve the Towns of Brussels, Union, and Gardner…three towns, ONE department, working together.