Rural Bridgeport Fire Department Awards 2023
Members of the Rural Bridgeport Fire Department pose with their awards after their annual meeting Feb. 28 at the Bridgeport fire station. Backrow Francis Hrubes, Ken Hess, Mike Hazen, Joe Gillitzer, Terry Thomas, Jerry Wright, Dennis Mezra, Bill Herreid, and Russ Gillitzer. Front row Frank Cipra, Troy Smrcina,Justin Check, and Paul Check. (Melissa R. Collum/ Courier Press)
The Women’s Auxiliary members (l-r) Sheila Gillitzer, Nicky Davidson, Linda Smrcina, Krista Zimmerman, Alisha Smrcina, presenting Chief Russ Gillitzer a check for $10,000. (Melissa R Collum/ Courier Press)
By Melissa R. Collum
The Rural Bridgeport Fire Department had their annual meeting on Feb. 28. at the Fire Station. There were around thirty people in attendance. The regular business meeting gave an overview of the finances and expenditures of the past year, and planning for the up coming fiscal year.
The new Fire Department officer were also voted in Chief- Russ Gillitzer, 1st Assistant- Jerry Gratz, 2nd Assistant- Justin Check, 3rd Assistant- Alisha Smrcina and Secretary/Treasurer - Dennis Mezera.
The evening was topped off with service awards and a $10,000 donation from the Women’s Auxiliary. The group fundraisers include a raffle, auction, and bake sale at the annual fish fry.
The following service awards were given: 15 years: Paul Check and Justin Check; 20 years: Frank Cipra and Francis Hrubes; 25 years: Troy Smrcina; 30 years: Mike Hazen, Ken Hess; 40 years: Joe Gillitzer; and 45 years: Russ Gillitzer, Bill Herreid, Dennis Mezera, Terry Thomas, and Jerry Wright.
Fire Fighter of the year: Dennis Mezera.
