Harrison Named McCloud’s Firefighter of the Year at Annual Dinner

Richard Harrison, a lieutenant with the McCloud Fire Department since September of 2023, was nominated as Firefighter of the Year by his peers during their McCloud Firemen’s Association and McCloud Fire Department Annual Appreciation Dinner.

Receiving his Emergency Response Certificate in 1998, he has been a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) since 2005 and is currently board-certified as an Advanced Practice Paramedic.

The award was presented to Harrison by Assistant Chief Trent Vogas and Battalion Chief Sean Prouty who is currently serving as intermittent Captain.

“Richard has performed above and beyond duty to help paid and volunteer staff serve the community. Richard is always there to lend a hand and cover for overtime, teach, and mentor. Thank you,” said Vogas.

The Appreciation Award was awarded to Dan Fay who is the EMS Lieutenant with the department. Vogas said upon giving him the award, “This award of appreciation is for everything you do as the EMS Lieutenant. You keep the ambulance program scheduled, you coordinate the monthly schedule, and you correspond with the ECC. You keep the ambulance on the road to support McCloud in their time of need. Thank you for all that you do!”

Racheal Mattson, president of the Association that supports the McCloud Fire Department says, “I am honored to support our Fire Department and the wonderful men and women who give so much to our community.”

The McCloud Fire Department currently has 35 firefighters and there are also 35 people in the Firemen’s Association. The dinner was attended by approximately 60 to 75 people.