(PORTAGE) Portage Fire Rescue is recognizing dozens of firefighters and EMS personnel for the work they do when the community needs them most — often at all hours of the day and night.
The department recently announced its annual awards, honoring members for leadership, service, and commitment to protecting Portage residents. The recognitions include Officer of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, response commendations, years of service milestones, and a unit citation highlighting a major milestone for the department .
Deputy Chief Terry Kibby and Paramedic Lt. Tyler Greenwood were named 2025 Officers of the Year. Fire officials say both demonstrated exceptional leadership and earned the trust of their peers through their work on emergency scenes and within the department.
Three firefighters were honored as Firefighters of the Year: Firefighter/EMT Brayden Asch, Firefighter/EMT Johnathan Loomans, and Firefighter/EMT Lexin Aldridge. The department says the award recognizes team players who support fellow firefighters, follow department policies, and help improve operations through constructive feedback.
Several members were also recognized for years of service, marking long careers dedicated to the community. Deputy Chief Kibby received recognition for 25 years of service, while Melissa Pohl was honored for 20 years. Matthew Gavinski, Misha Overland, and Kurtis Fries each marked 10 years, and Fire Chief Troy Haase was recognized for five years of service.
Response Commendation Awards were given to firefighters who responded to at least 40 percent of calls over the past year, a reflection of the department’s reliance on members who are on call around the clock. Brayden Asch, Noah Tredinnick, Austin Smothers, Charles Coppernoll, and Terry Kibby were among those recognized for answering hundreds of calls between December 2024 and November 2025.
Asch was also named Top Responder of the Year after responding to the highest number of calls during that period.
The department awarded a Unit Citation to its members for their work during the first full year of Portage Fire Rescue’s paramedic-level EMS program. Fire officials say launching the service required extensive coordination, training, and teamwork — and credited firefighters and paramedics for meeting that challenge while continuing to serve the community.
