PORT ANGELES — Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue recognized several firefighters at a recent awards banquet.

Firefighter/EMT Malachi Delano was recognized as the 2021 Volunteer Firefighter of the Year.

Delano joined the department as an Explorer Scout and then became a volunteer in 2019.

Since then he has earned EMT certification, International Fire Service Accreditation firefighter 1 certification as well as being named a Top Responder in 2020 and 2021.

Firefighter/Paramedic Joe Elliott was named as the 2021 Volunteer EMT of the Year.

Elliott joined the department in 2019 while already working full-time as a paramedic with Olympic Ambulance; since then he has earned IFSAC firefighter 1 certification, rope rescue technician certification and was named as a Top Responder in 2021.

Firefighter/Paramedic Margie Brueckner was named 2021 Career Firefighter of the Year.

Brueckner has been an career firefighter with the department since 2014; she is part of the regional EMS training cadre and is the captain of the Firefighter Stairclimb team that goes to Seattle to participate in the annual fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The department also recognized eight members with its Top Responder award for responding to more than 10 percent of the more than 1900 calls the district received in 2021.

The 2021 Top Responders are Firefighter/EMT Malachi Delano, Firefighter/Paramedic Joe Elliott, Lieutenant Nathan Hagaman, EMT Matt Aston, Lieutenant Mike Jensen, Assistant Chief Dan Huff, Captain Marty Martinez and Captain Kevin Thompson.

Additionally, several members of the department received Meritorious Service awards, they are:

• Firefighter/EMT Julie Broussard for volunteer work at food distributions sites and vaccine clinics.

• International Association of Firefighters, Local #5177, for helping a local citizen with repairs to their staircase.

• Deputy Chief Justin Grider, Anaka Hughes, Firefighter/EMT Nate Thompson and Lieutenant Andy Pittman for planning, coordination and preparations to host a Nozzle Forward class.

Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue provides fire and emergency medical service to more than 85 square miles including the communities of Deer Park, Gales Addition, Mt. Pleasant, Black Diamond, Dry Creek and Lake Sutherland.

Firefighter/EMT Malachi Delano