The Republic Township Board held a recognition and awards ceremony on Sunday June 22, 2008 to recognize the accomplishments of volunteers who live in Republic. The nominees for the awards were from the Fire Dept.-3, EMS Dept.-3, service groups (listed below)-1 each, and Township Board-1. Each winner was selected by their peer group. Awards certificates were given to each and the thanks and heart felt gratitude of the township residents was offered.
The awards ceremony was held at the Emergency Services Building on M-95. The background of the photos below shows the EMS and Fire Deparment Awards cabinet in the background.
The presenter of the awards were the members of the Republic Township Board. From left to right, they are: Mr. Gary Johnson, Supervisor; Ms. Vickie Skogman, Clerk; Mr. Glen Adams, Trustee; Ms. Faye Mattila, Treasurer; Mr. Chuck Hurst, Trustee.
For all the pictures below, place the cursor on the picture and left click once to enlarge. If you are using dial-up, some pictures may take several minutes to load. Be patient. Once the enlarged picture is displayed, place the cursor on the picture and left click again it may enlarge even further. Enjoy.
The Republic Volunteer Fire Department...
The first gentleman has been on three different fire departments during his career. First was the Negaunee Twp Fire Dept., second was the Negaunee City Fire Dept., and third is the Republic Volunteer Fire Department. He is the President of the Marquette County Fire Fighters Association. His attendence at fires and activities is 95%, the best which he shares with only one other fire fighter in Republic. Recognition and thanks to Mr. Pete Juidici...
This gentleman has been called by some of his peers either the Grandfather or Godfather of the Republic Fire Deparment. He has been serving over 40 years. He has been Assistant Chief for over 20 years. He specializes in teaching the younger members the ways of the profession. Recognition and thanks to Mr. Ernie "Tuchon" Kerkela.
This gentleman, a Fire Dept. member and Township Employee, before his retirement, would work a full shift for the township, go to the fire dept. meeting and then fix or maintain the fire trucks. Recognition and thanks to Mr. Bob LaForge.
(EMS) Emergency Medical Services performed by (EMT's) Emergency Medical Technicians.
Sound easy....This gentleman was one of the first EMT's in Republic. During the early years, he studied, he learned, he trained others, he was a major factor in developing the response team we have today, and he saved lives. Sometimes with only one other person assisting. Our recognition and thanks go to Mr. Ron Heikkinen...
During those early years, guiding and teaching other EMT's was a dedicated lady. The humor you see in the photograph is recalling the story from 20 years ago when the rules were very loose. Mae came running into the township office yelling that she needed a driver, "NOW"!! Faye Mattila, Treasurer, said OK and became the ambulance driver for this particular life saving emergency run. Faye, of course had never driven the ambulance before. The patient made it....Recognition and thanks go to EMT Ms. Mae Lamond.
Mr. Unassuming, our next recipient, starts his 18th year of service. All the other EMTs look to this man for stability and calmness during the high adrenalin events. Recognition and thanks to Mr. John Jarvi.
Special thanks... Our last EMS recipient passed sometime ago. Those who worked with this man say he was one of the best. Having the nickname of Mr. CPR for many years. Recognition and thanks to Mr. Louis Godmere. Accepting is his widow, Jan Godmere...
In the quality of life area, we asked the service groups to nominate whomever they thought would be a good example of a volunteer. It could be a member of their group, past member, or just a member of the community...
Recommended by the Republic Area Historical Society, this person has many rolls in the community. She is the President of the School Board, Chairperson of the Bethany Lutheran Church Council, member of the Republic Township Planning Commission, and member of the Historical Society. She is responsible for the local phone directory as well as planting flowers in town. Recognition and thanks to Ms. Marcy Rankinen...
Our next unique individual is nominated by Republic Community Services. This fine lady is active in many local activities as well as through the Veterans Association. She has provided volunteer service at the VA Hospital in Iron Mountain for the last 55 years, going at least once a week for the entire time. Recognition and thanks to Ms. Gwen Dawson.
St. Vicent DePaul runs a store and food pantry in Republic. Two of the most active members are husband and wife team. These two fine individuals ARE the West End Pantry. They order, pick-up, stock, fill orders and deliver when necessary. Recognition and many thanks to Betty & Pete King...
The Lions Club of Republic would like to recognize one of their own. A gentleman who has been a Lions Club Office holder, a member of the Historical Society, he devotes himself to gathering historical data about Republic and preserving it. He has published 2 books on Republic. Recognition and thanks to Ken Salo...
The Republic Township Board would like to recognize a gentleman for his work over the past two years developing and publishing the Republic Township website. Recognition and many thanks to Fred Nannestad...
The Republic Township Board would like to thanks all the receipients for the volunteer work. The final recognition goes to the Volunteer of the Year for 2008. As previously mentioned and others should know that besides the food pantry, the Kings work at St. Vincent DePauls as clerks and repairpersons. Extra Recognition and Many Thanks to Betty & Pete King...
Refreshments were served afterward. Thanks to the Township for hosting this event.
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