Captain Codino started his career with Canby Fire in 1990, before that working in the private EMS industry, including as a Paramedic with Lifeflight. Val continually demonstrates his leadership by focusing on shift training, making sure is crew is always prepared. Captain Codino is very competent in all spectrums of his duties and is always willing to step up and help with a “can-do” attitude. Val serves as a mentor to not only his crew but to all of Canby Fire and is a tremendous role model for the ride-along program. He grows his crew by empowering them with additional responsibilities, including active and regular “Acting in Capacity” [AIC] duties. Val also recently started a “Morning Briefing” program for his team that serves as much more than a meeting or a briefing, it’s a quick and focused training session and safety brief, assuring his crew is operationally ready.

During 2008 John completed his probationary year earning high honors. Not only was he blown-up in a Natural Gas explosion during his first work of employment, but he steadfastly earned the respect of fellow firefighters with his positive attitude and constant smile. John is described as a self-starter, especially relevant with the care and maintenance he demonstrated with small equipment. John was also characterized as a excellent team player, where his fellow firefighter/paramedics singled him out for his excellent patient care and attention to EMT protocol details and his great firefighting skills. John has become not only a member of the Canby Fire Family, but also a critical part of the firefighting team.

Last year firefighter/ paramedic Bob Pulford was recognized as the Employee of the Year. This year Bob earned the EMT of the year for his outstanding patient care. Bob does not just treat the patients he’s entrusted to care for, he creates relationships. Bob is quick on his toes, very professional, and has excellent EMT skills. His warm and friendly bedside manner instantly builds rapport with the patients and their families. Bob is also very helpful with newer employees, recruits, and volunteers, sharing his years of knowledge in the trade.

This year’s volunteer of the year award overwhelmingly went to Matt Carlson, whose willingness to do anything attitude was shared by many of the districts members. Matt was described as someone who is dedicated to the cause, always gives 110%, the first one to volunteer for an assignment, and is always available. FF Carlson also was recognized by attending more drills and training than any other fire district member. Matt’s also currently attending paramedic school, hoping to graduate in the summer of 2009.

John Stanislaw started his career with Canby Fire in the Spring of 2007, however, he was no newcomer to the fire service. John came to us with a varied background which included as a training officer in Sheridan, Oregon and also as a New York State Fire Service firefighter and paramedic. John is characterized as a “Go-getter” always looking for improvement opportunities. John shift-members say he brings a fun and professional attitude to the shift everyday and that he is a true craftsman in firefighting….always researching new and creative ways in firefighting, to make things better, faster, and safer.

Kris serves as the face and voice of the Fire District. She is always willing to help anyone in need, sharing her great attitude and incredible customer service. During the 2008 operating year Kris was challenged with the sudden absence of the Fire District’s Administrative Manager. Throughout this difficult and stressful time she kept the district operating smoothly. Her spirit, support, and dedication proved invaluable as she quickly changed focus to new and unchartered territories. We owe much of our success during these volatile times to Kris’s calm and reassuring composure during an extremely stressful period.