Firefighter of the Year
The 2024 “Firefighter of the Year” recipient was nominated and voted by the Imlay City Firefighters and Fire Officers. This award is presented to a fire department member for their outstanding leadership, service, and contributions to the fire department. This year’s recipient is Nathan Gill, who has over 11 years of service with Imlay City. Nathan (Nate) is an outstanding choice for this honor and award. We congratulate Nathan on this well-deserved opportunity for all his achievements, dedication, and leadership.
Nate joined the Imlay City Fire Department in the fall of 2013 and completed his Firefighter I&II certification in the spring of 2015. He continued his education and training, including Company Officer I&II and other key leadership classes. His dedication, passion, mentorship, and leadership have not gone unrecognized. His zeal and love for this fire service are unmatched. He has been a motivator and influencer in the department. He consistently shows up for runs and training, always eager to help or lend a hand. When he is not busy working on his farm, you will find him assisting another department member with vehicle or equipment repair. Due to his quiet nature, his actions speak louder than his words, and he quietly takes on any task he is assigned and other items that need attention.
Nate can perform any job function in the department, making him a valuable asset during any fire incident. He is eagerly willing to drive, run the pump, perform suppression operations, lead teams, and manage incident operations. His enthusiasm is contagious and provides the team with plenty of motivation. Nate is truly worthy of this recognition. The Imlay City Fire Department and the Fire Services in Lapeer County are fortunate to have his dedication, knowledge, and service.
Nathan Gill
Nate Gill with 2024 Imlay City Fire Department “Firefighter of the Year Award”
Kip Reaves Memorial Wingnut Award
Ben Horton receiving “Kip Reaves Memorial Wingnut Award” from Lt. Jeff Marceau
Benjamin Horton
The 2024 “Kip Reaves Memorial Wingnut Award” recipient was nominated and voted by the Imlay City Firefighters and Fire Officers. This award is presented to a fire department member for a specific event or situation that demonstrated ingenuity, increased morale, or provided special recognition to the individual or group. This year’s recipient is Benjamin Horton, who has over 10 years of service with Imlay City. Benjamin (Ben) is an outstanding choice for this honor and award. We congratulate Ben on this well-deserved recognition.
Ben joined the Imlay City Fire Department in the spring of 2014 and completed his Firefighter I&II certification in the spring of 2015. His dedication, passion, mentorship, and leadership have not gone unrecognized. He consistently shows up for runs and training, always eager to help or lend a hand. Ben took the ladder truck to a local community exposition hosted by a local church at the Imlay City Fair Grounds. They showed off the firetruck and its capability, including raising the ladder to demonstrate its reach. When they finished the day and began to lower and retract the ladder, a hydraulic cylinder leak developed and remained stuck in the up and extended position. Due to the ladder being up and extended, the truck could not be moved back to the station. Ben jumped into action and used his mechanic's skills and some ingenuity to bypass the hydraulic system and get the ladder lowered and retracted. He returned the ladder truck to the hall. Ultimately, the firetruck was taken out of service for repairs.
His enthusiasm and ingenuity are contagious and provide the team with plenty of motivation. Ben is truly worthy of this recognition. The Imlay City Fire Department and the Fire Services in Lapeer County are fortunate to have his dedication, knowledge, and service.