Cameron Cornelssen Named Firefighter of the Year

Windsor CA - Cameron Cornelssen, 23, was named Firefighter of the Year at the annual Windsor Fire Protection District awards dinner, Saturday, March 3. Cameron, who has been a Windsor Fire volunteer since November 2001, is the son of David and Laurie Cornelssen of Windsor.

The awards dinner, hosted by the Windsor Volunteer Firefighters Association, is held each year to recognize and honor the contribution of the volunteers and paid staff of the fire department. About 75 members of the department and their guests attended the event. Among those attending were two past department fire chiefs, Chuck Pedersen (1968-1979) and Milo Strawn (1979-1984); former fire district directors Vern Evans and Sean Cahill; Rincon Valley Fire Chief Doug Williams; the Fire District's attorney, Bill Arnone; and Council Member Sam Salmon.

A very special guest was Ms. Margaret Nail, who worked for the District as a secretary for many years and now serves as its historian. She also regularly provides "treats" for the firefighters. "Margaret is truly a treasure," said Fire Chief Ron Collier. "She has to-date created more than 100 scrapbooks of department-related news articles, reports, etc. It's a wonderful legacy." Ms. Nail received a standing ovation in appreciation of her many contributions.

Other awards given this year were the Milo Strawn Award for Most Inspirational Firefighter to Chris Matthies, the Vic Pozzi Award for Most Dependable Firefighter to Steve Mason, Most Improved Firefighter to Kevan Brown, and the Phil Williams Award for Community Service to Vic Pozzi.

Receiving service pins were Joe Giordani, for 15 years' service, and Dan Warner, for 10 years' service.

Windsor Fire Protection District is a combination paid/volunteer department. In 2002, Windsor volunteers donated 4,114 hours between call response and training. "This is a significant contribution to the community," according to Battalion Chief Matt Gustafson. "We have two paid people on duty each day. Without our volunteers we could provide an acceptable level of service. The value of the contribution they and their families make to our community cannot be overstated."

Windsor Fire Protection District operates on a budget of $1.3 million and responded to 1,683 calls in 2002.

For more information contact: 
Battalion Chief Matt Gustafson
Office: 707/838-1170
FAX: 707/838-1173
E-mail: mgustafston@windsorfpd.com

 ^ Top of Page ^

Home | About Us | Board of Directors | Contact Information | Employment Opportunities | Fire Marshal | Just for Kids | Suggested Links | Measure K | Photo Gallery | Safety Information | Site Map | Volunteer Firefighter Program | Windsor Fire News | WVFA