09-02-2025
Owensboro Fire Department recognizes nine in annual awards
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) — The Owensboro Fire Department takes time from its busy schedule to recognize those for their service over the past year. Some call them real-life superheroes.
Nine from OFD take the podium and are acknowledged. After reflecting on about 6,700 responses over the year, colleagues nominate and vote on their recipients.
'I'm proud of all of the nominees, and I think all the folks who are going to be getting these awards truly deserve that,' Chief James Howard says.
Those recipients include Firefighter Jake Aull. He sprung into action while attending a conference at Bally's Evansville in November.
A driver and vehicle drove off the parking garage just before Thanksgiving and punctured the center's roof.
After Chief Howard reads what recipients' peers have to say, the awardees make their remarks.
'When there's danger, instinct kicked in just like any other firefighter would do. It's in our nature,' Firefighter Aull says.
One-by-one, firefighters are named, like Firefighters Nate Cunningham and Kendall Lashbrook who tie for 'Rookie of the Year.'
Firefighter Cunningham says the sheer adrenaline rush when running out to a fire, including one on Monroe Avenue in June, has been memorable.
'I was pretty new at the time. So, that one stands out probably the most just because of the way I felt that day,' Firefighter Cunningham says.
Last to be announced, administrative aide Carla Shelton earns the Vanguard Award, which is given to the person making the most impact.
'I just want to thank everyone for this award. I don't think I deserve it at all. I am simply a worker bee buzzing around behind the scenes of the department filled with superheroes,' Shelton says.
When asked whether he agrees being a 'superhero,' Firefighter Cunningham says, 'Oh, no. We're just people doing our job at the end of the day. We just have the best job in the world.'
This is a list of all the awards recipients:
Letters of Commendation
Firefighter Jake Aull
Engineer Bobby Glenn
Rookie of the Year
Firefighter Nate Cunningham (t)
Firefighter Kendall Lashbrook (t)
EMS Responder of the Year
Firefighter/Paramedic Colby Smith (second year in a row for him)
Firefighter of the Year
Firefighter Victor Schutzius
Engineer of the Year
Engineer Bobby Glenn
Officer of the Year
Lieutenant Chad Johnson
Health and Safety Award
Firefighter Damon Brandle
Vanguard Award
Administrative Aide Carla Shelton
Owensboro Fire Department recognizes nine in annual awards
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