The 6th Annual Firefighter of the Year Award was presented at last week's meeting. The 2014 Exchange Club Firefighter of the Year Award went to Lieutenant Richard Kestner of the Tri-Township Fire Department. Kestner began his firefighting career as a volunteer in 1994. In the 20 years since, he has made the move from volunteer to the rank of Lieutenant. He is the department's Haz-Mat's officer since 2007 and is a certified fire investigator. Kestner has also taken on the responsibility of the repair and maintenance of the department's loose equipment and small engines. The department also benefits from his background in building construction. According to Chief Rick Zaerr, who accepted the honor on behalf of Kestner who was not able to be at the meeting (on vacation in Cancun), "when there is a project to make a repair or modification to the station, he always gets the task done, using his own tools and equipment which saves the department money that can be used for other repairs or upgrades. He is dependable, a hard worker, well-liked by his colleagues and is always willing to help others.

Among the special guests were:

• Chief Joe Henning, Fire Chief of the Quincy Fire Department
• Chief Rick Zaerr, Fire Chief of the Tri-Township Fire Department

Plus Past recipients of the Exchange Club Firefighter of the Year award:

• Captain Tom Bentley of the Quincy Fire Department - 2009
• Assistant Chief Darren Smith of the Tri-Township Fire Department - 2010 recipient
• Lt. Dennis Behl of the Quincy Fire Department - 2011
• Lt. Eric Becks and Firefighter Justin Twaddle of the Quincy Fire Department - 2012
• Assistant Fire Chief James Pioch of the Quincy Fire Department. - 2013

A special Exchange Club 2014 Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award was also presented to Brother Ed Arambasich, the Quincy Fire Department Chaplain. Quincy Fire Chief Joe Henning, in his nomination, stated that "there has been no other person that has done more to promote family, faith, and firefighter wellness" than Brother Ed.

Thanks to the Exchange Club Committee of Hal Broadwater, Jim Benz, Steve Green, Chuck Venvertloh and Carlos Fernandez. Carlos served as the MC for the event.

Our featured speaker was Retired Lt. Colonel Barry Cheyne. Cheyne served our great country with honor for over 39 years, 28 years with United States Air Force, retiring as a Lt Colonel and over 11 years with the Federal Government as senior executive and manager for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

He earned his Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Arkansas in 1985, and is a 1992 graduate of the FBI National Academy, Quantico, Virginia,

Mr. Cheyne was the Director of Security for the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon during the September 11, 2001 international terrorist attack on the Pentagon and led efforts to sustain the Department of Defense continuity of operations.