Two High Springs firefighters honored

Photo special to Alachua County Today
Kevin Mangan and Kimberly Wilson (center) of the High Springs Fire Department recently received Firefighter of the Year awards at a ceremony held at the fire station.

HIGH SPRINGS – In September 2013, Restoration Specialists, a company which routinely interacts with fire fighters and first responders, launched a campaign on their Facebook page to find the top firefighters in the 19-county central-Florida area. “Nominations for Firefighter of the Year came pouring in...” said Cay Wyatt, Firefighter of the Year Coordinator. ‘It’s quite an honor that two of our winners this year are from the same fire station,’ said Wyatt.

Kevin Mangan, a volunteer firefighter, and Kimberly Wilson, the first and only female firefighter under 25 to complete the academy, were honored Thursday, March 27, with Restoration Specialists' Firefighter of the Year Awards. The award ceremony was held at the High Springs Fire Department (HSFD), 205 NW 1st Ave. In addition, recipients each received a $100 Visa gift card and, because they were both from the HSFD, a donation of $200, $100 for each of the winners, was made to the department in their honor. Following the brief ceremony, Restoration Specialists also catered lunch for everyone from Firehouse Subs.

Mangan said later that he was honored to have been nominated and to have won. ‘Firefighters are a brotherhood and a family. They all give everything they can to help wherever they can. Any one of the firefighters’ names could have been on this plaque and they would have deserved to receive it,” he said. “This plaque and this honor is for all firefighters.”

Entries were received for this honor from colleagues, people who were saved by firefighters, friends, family and anyone who wanted to single out a firefighter who they believed had gone above and beyond in performing their duties.

Dianya Markovitz, a former firefighter at HSFD, nominated Mangan for this honor. In her letter she praised all of the firefighters who put their lives on the line every day. “There are a few who especially stand out. Kevin Mangan is one of them. Brave, courageous, selfless,” she said.

“Kevin is volunteering to serve with honor...and has volunteered to serve his community for nearly 5 years. He knows that when there’s an emergency, after his work is done, people just want a shoulder to cry on, a hug or someone to talk to. Kevin is always there. ... maybe that helps give them [people] faith and hope when it could just as easily be lost forever,” she said.

Although the author of Kim Wilson's submittal is unknown, it is nonetheless impressive. “Forget that she’s a woman, Kimberly Wilson is described by many as the hardest working, most dedicated firefighter you’ll ever meet, period. In a field dominated by men, Kimberly stands out as an example that women can be elite firefighters.  In some ways, Kimberly is a true pioneer who is opening the door for future female firefighters in Florida.”

The writer goes on to say, “Kimberly can be described as fearless, tough, butt-kicking, caring, compassionate and passionate about helping others and the community she serves.”

The awards were presented to both recipients by Eric Ehrlund, Restoration Specialists General Manager. Two of the company's estimators, David Kress and Mike Mitchell, and two project managers, Chad Bowland and Brian Mallard, all from the local Restoration Specialists' offices, were on hand to congratulate the winners.

City Manager Ed Booth, Vice-Mayor Sue Weller, Fire Chief Bruce Gillingham and other firefighters and citizens attended.

“Bob Preusler, Restoration Specialists owner, believes that firefighters are some of our unsung heroes,” said Wyatt. “He realizes just how hard these people work and believes they are underpaid for all they do. This is one way he decided to honor them and let them know how much they are appreciated,” she said.

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