South Kitsap Fire and Rescue recognized eight staffers at a banquet on Feb. 19 for displaying strong character.
“It’s usually about workplace performance — about how they perform or help each other,” said Steve Wright, SKFR deputy chief. “It usually doesn’t break down to somebody rescuing a baby.”
South Kitsap Fire and Rescue allows employees to nominate their peers for the honor and a committee of those previously recognized select winners from each division of the organization.
Fire Chief Wayne Senter then chose an overall “Outstanding Member” from among the eight chosen by the committee.
This year’s winner was Battalion Chief Jon Gudmundsen, a career officer at SKFR.
“Regardless of the hour, Chief Gudmundsen’s door is open,” wrote one of his co-workers on a nomination form. “His hospitable nature shows he genuinely cares. His deference to others is an example to the entire district.”
Several more of Gudmundsen’s nomination forms said the same.
“He’s the type of guy who is more concerned with other people than himself,” wrote one of his peers.
They also mentioned his skill at listening carefully before forming opinions.
“Jon’s ability to listen before forming an opinion is a skill that we could all learn from,” wrote one.
“Everybody knows that his decisions are thoughtfully made with sensitivity to every aspect and person involved,” wrote another.
Gudmundsen also won the Career Officer and Outstanding Member awards in 2008.
He, along with the winners from each category, displayed the 49 character traits that South Kitsap Fire and Rescue encourages its employees to value.
Each honoree is told the top three traits are that his or her co-workers value most about their work.
Their name is put onto a plaque at the office and they receive their own plaque describing their accomplishment.
And the winners are…
South Kitsap Fire and Rescue’s honored employees include:
• Intern: Thomas Barga
• Volunteer Firefighter: David Barr
• Volunteer Support Service Member: Debby Oliver
• Career Support Service Member: Chris Gascoyne
• Career Firefighter: Bill Bailey
• Career Paramedic: Carl Graf
• Volunteer Officer: Capt. Gary Chasteen
• Career Officer: BC Jon Gudmundsen
• Outstanding Member: BC Jon Gudmundsen
