Even during the annual awards dinner, when the bell rings, firefighters answer.

Just as the East Pierce Fire and Rescue firefighters and their families were sitting down to the department’s annual banquet Feb. 5, the on-duty crews had to rush off to fight a house fire.

But while the firefighters battled the blaze, their families stayed to honor the recipients of the 2011 Recognition Awards.

Lieutenant Matt Jewitt was named Officer of the Year. Firefighter of the Year went to Tomas Sumbera. Firefighter-paramedic Jennifer Killion received the Emergency Medical Services Provider of the Year award.

Captain Mark Nevill was named Volunteer Officer of the Year and received recognition as the volunteer firefighter who responded to the most alarms. James (J.J.) Walker was honored as Volunteer Responder of the Year.

For the fourth year in a row, Mike Giefer received the Mike Roberts Goodwill Award. The award is named for retired East Pierce Lieutenant Mike Roberts. It is presented to the firefighter who has done the most to embody selfless service. Giefer is well known for organizing Sumner’s annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Volunteer firefighter Sara Arneson was presented the Ken Thawsh Inspirational Award. The Thawsh Award is given to the person who most exemplifies the East Pierce mission statement – “Exceptional people providing compassionate service and rapid response to our community’s diverse needs.”

The Chief’s Company included Justin Doyle, William Sandlian, Jennifer Killion, Andrew Hinson, Ken Bannink and Kyle Mosher. While all the other awards are voted on by the firefighters, the Chief’s Company is determined by the command staff.

The annual Fitness Award went to Firefighter Jason Russell, who also took home the award in 2010.

Mike Blaylock was recognized again for his work in the Information Technology Department. He received the Administrative Support Staff of the Year Award for the second year in a row.

East Pierce Fire and Rescue serves a population of more than 85,000 people living in and around Bonney Lake, Sumner, Lake Tapps, the Ridge Communities, South Prairie, Wilkeson, Carbonado and now, Edgewood and Milton. The district covers approximately 152 square miles and protects residents from 12 stations – six staffed and six volunteer. All career and volunteer firefighters are also paramedics or emergency medical technicians (EMTs), responding to fire, rescue and medical emergencies.