The Clear Lake Fire Department recently held a celebration honoring retiring firefighters and also recognizing their Firefighter of the Year. Kiel Golly was honored for his years of service to the department and received a plaque, while fellow retiree Travis Malikowski was out of state and couldn’t attend the function.

Fire Chief Ron Koren spoke in appreciation of how the retired firefighters served their community.

“Kiel and Travis both served the Clear Lake response area for several years, but due to other responsibilities or situations they decided to retire rather than not being able to give the commitment required to be a valued member of the department,” Koren said.      

Seven year veteran Harvey Doble was named the department’s Firefighter of the Year for his efforts and dedication to his community.

Koren spoke glowingly about Doble and his dedication to the department.

“Harvey is one of those people who is always volunteering and willing to help out any way he can — when you ask or tell him what task has to be done, you are guaranteed that task will be done and done very well,” Koren said. “Harvey has a great personality and  it stands out when he has patient contact. Harvey goes above and beyond what is expected of our firefighters.” Doble also recently joined Clearwater Fire and Rescue, meaning he is pulling double duty as a valued member of two departments.

“I only live one mile form Clearwater Fire Department and four miles from Clear Lake Station one,” Doble said. “I show up to each of their trainings and maintain a good call percentage, meeting all the requirements for both departments.”

He says he first felt the call at a young age and joined the CLFD in an attempt to give back to his community.

“At age 18, I felt the need to give back to my community and wanted some structure in my life,” Doble said. “I was fortunate enough to have gotten hired. Plus, I’ve been told that I look good in bunker gear, haha!”

 When he first found out about the award, Doble said he was quite surprised.

“I was shocked, as the Clear Lake Fire Department is filled with a lot of talent,” Doble says. “At the end of the day, I always do my best and to have my peers vote and recognize me as the firefighter of the year, I was speechless.”

“The fire department has shaped me into who I am today. Without it I don’t know where I would have ended up. If anyone is thinking about joining or if anyone wants to join please seek out your local department and apply. It’s the best thing I have ever done.”

Koren says his department is currently at 28 members strong, while he is allowed to have 35 total firefighters.

“We are always looking for people who are interested and who would be dedicated to what is required to be a valuable addition to the CLFD,” the chief concluded.