Awards and Recognition
The Appleton Fire Department has an awards program for citizens, media, and firefighters.
We encourage our staff to nominate their co-workers for a job well done. Citizens are also nominated by Appleton Fire Department staff for acts to save life and property.
Citizen Awards
Good Samaritan Award Presented to a citizen for the performance of an act of human kindness which greatly increased the likeliness of survival of another person
Award of Merit Presented to a citizen for performing a great act of service where life was not involved, including assistance to the fire department which aided in preventing property loss and/or possible injury to firefighting personnel.
Media Awards
Outstanding Story
Outstanding Picture
Outstanding Public Service
Each of the above categories may be considered for an award if they best relate to the public the dangers of fire, the danger and nature of the job of firefighting, fire prevention, fire safety, fire survival, and/or a positive image of the fire department.
Firefighter Awards
Award of Honor – Posthumous Presented to the family of a member who died or is killed in the line of duty, or who dies because of wounds or injuries received in the line of duty.
Life Saving Award Presented to department personnel for performance of an act, in the line of duty, which through disregard of personal safety or prompt and alert action, results in the saving of a life. A numeral will be added to the ribbon for subsequent awards. Personnel receiving this award shall also be nominated for the International Association of Fire Chief’s Ben Franklin Award of Valor.
Award of Honor Presented to department personnel for performing an outstanding act while in imminent personal hazard of life or injury with full knowledge of the risk involved. A numeral will be added to the ribbon for subsequent awards.
EMS Life Saving Award Presented to department personnel for pulseless, non-breather (PNB) patients who are resuscitated through direct intervention by AFD personnel, and the patient is discharged from the hospital. A numeral will be added to the ribbon for subsequent awards.
Award of Merit Presented to department personnel for saving a life with no risk to his/her own life. A numeral will be added to the ribbon for subsequent awards.
Distinguished Service Award Presented to department personnel for a highly creditable accomplishment performed within the scope of their duties and job description, which brings recognition to the individual, the department, or the profession of firefighting. This award may also be earned for off-duty actions or activities that benefit the community. A numeral will be added to the ribbon for subsequent awards.
Recognition Award Presented to department personnel for an accomplishment performed within their scope of duties that helps to improve the Appleton Fire Department.
Meritorious Unit Presented to all members of a unit for exemplary actions. A numeral will be added to the ribbon for subsequent awards.
Years of Service Ribbon Ribbon awarded after completion of probationary period. A numeral 5 will be added after 5 years of service and a numeral 10 for ten years of service. Numerals will be changed every five years. Only service within the Appleton Fire Department will be counted.
Firefighter/Employee of the Year
This award is presented annually for accomplishments in line with devotion to duty, service to the public and/or bringing positive acclaim to the fire department.
2021 - Driver/Engineer Ben Lee
2020 - Resource Development & Training Specialist Ed King
2019 - Firefighter Adam Paiser
2018 - Assistant to the Fire Chief Sharon Brochtrup
2010 - Firefighter Jake Kirchner
2009 - Lieutenant Mike Mueller
2008 - Firefighter Christopher Fischer
2007 - Firefighter Brad Brautigam
2006 - Driver/Engineer Bryan Knauer
2005 - Driver/Engineer Rick James
2004 - Lieutenant Shannon Young
2003 - Firefighter/Mechanic Dave Goyke
2002 - Driver/Engineer Todd Daanen
2001 - Battalion Chief Mike Sipin & Driver/Engineer Steve Hansel
2000 - Lieutenant Paul Thomson