Firefighters honored by city

April 23, 1998

Quick action and years of service counted for a lot when the Hagerstown Fire Department held its annual awards banquet recently.

Hagerstown Fire Chief Gary Hawbaker received an award for his steadfast attention and devotion to the department he heads during the Feb. 21 banquet.

Firefighter William L. Green was honored for his heroism in rescuing three people from a fire in the Doub Meadows Apartments off South Potomac Street in June.

Thomas Randy Hinkle was named the Career and Volunteer Firefighter of the Year posthumously. Hinkle died after an illness.

Deputy Chief Rick Kipe earned a special award of excellence for his time and leadership chairing the ladder truck committee whose efforts led to obtaining two innovative and functional trucks.

James L. Sprecher III was named Rookie Firefighter of the Year.

Doug DeHaven was lauded for excellence in fire prevention for his time and expertise in the juvenile intervention program.

William B. Thompson, a 27-year veteran, received recognition for dedicated service to the city of Hagerstown and efforts to secure quality benefits to fellow firefighters.

Firefighters Robert Maurer Jr., Trayer Stoops, William Ball, and Deron Malcolm were honored for the Sept. 11 incident at the Hagerstown YMCA in which they made valiant efforts to rescusitate a child.

Marvin Niswander's years of providing assistance as captain of the Hagerstown Fire Police earned him a special award of excellence.

Commendations were awarded to 10 volunteers who responded to the most incidents in 1997. In order, they are James Sprecher Jr., Harold Semler, Terry Brown, James Sprecher III, Rodney Hottle, Fred Johnson, James Forberger, Andrew West, Tony Lida and David Sheppard.

The International Association of Firefighters Local 1605 Honor Guard was presented with the Chief's Award for setting an example of dedication and devotion for the entire fire department.

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