IVFD Banquet

Ironwood - February 1, 2010

The Ironwood Volunteer Fire Department held it's annual awards banquet Saturday January 30, 2010 at the Olde Suffolk Ale House in downtown Ironwood.

Chief Bob Tervonen (below right) was the master of ceremonies for the evening and after regaling the assembled crowd with some sure fire (no pun intended) firefighter jokes and giving a quick review of the past year's activities he presented the following awards.

New Honorary IVFD members Ben & Jeanne Walston

The Walston's, owners of Ben's Place Restaurant downtown Ironwood,  are long time supporters of the IVFD.  Each year they generously allow the department to use their property and provide electricity for the department's Jack Frost Parade hot popcorn and hot chocolate booth.  They have sold department raffle tickets, helped sponsor the 2008 UP Volunteer Firefighters' Tournament, and have even closed their restaurant on a Sunday so the department would have a place to hold a fund raising breakfast.  They're always among the first to ask what they can do to help out.  A department member said it best,  "there is nothing the department can do to even remotely show it's appreciation for all that Ben & Jeanne do for us".

Ironwood citizen Lucy Sjogren was recognized for her invaluable help with the department fundraisers this past year.  Lucy has no formal ties to the department but has volunteered many hours to help organize and make the department raffles and other fund raising activities successful.  The department gratefully thanks her for her support.

2009 Rookie Firefighter of The Year - Zach Brentar

2009 Chief's Award - Jordan Reller

2009 Fire Horse Award - Jamie Peite (Most emergency responses in the previous year)

2009 Firefighter of The Year - Ken Jacobson