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John Santomauro (left) and Fire Chief Mike Rorabacher present the ‘Ironman’ award to firefighter Matthew Long.The Canton Public Safety Department took time out to honor members who had performed above and beyond the call of duty recently.
John Santomauro, director of public safety, said more than 35 firefighters, police officers and dispatchers were honored for their service to the community—and beyond.
“They’re all very good people,” he said.
Among the honorees were Ofc. Kevin Rize, who was named Police Officer of the Year. Firefighter Kevin Henderson was named Firefighter of the Year and Firefighter Matthew Long took home the Ironman Award for his busy year.
Santomauro said the awards were well-earned, and the department ensures it stays that way. Members of the department are selected for an awards recommendation committee and given the authority to approve, reject or upgrade any of the nominations, he said.
“The entire procedure is spelled out by policy,” said Santomauro.
Rize was selected for many reasons, he said, but signaled out for his efforts to train newcomers.
“He’s what you refer to as an organizational asset,” said Santomauro.
Rize has been instrumental in training officers on defensive tactics and firearms as well as tasers, felony traffic stops and emergency vehicle operations, Santomauro said. He’s taken on several roles in the department, served in virtually every type of special assignment.
“He serves as a mentor to the new officers coming in,” said Santomauro. “He’s recognized as one of the hard working officers in the department.”
“He has proven himself as a natural leader with a desire to develop the talents and knowledge of his peers and supervisors,” added deputy chief Robert Kerr.
Henderson was honored for his duty to the department and the nation, according to Fire Chief Mike Rorabacher. A member of several special teams on the fire department, Henderson recently served a year in Germany as a navy coreman, he said.
“(He) sets the bar very high for himself and deserves to be acknowledged for his efforts,” Rorbacher said.
The Ironman Award recognized the busy year Long had as a member of the department. He responded to 659 calls last year, including fire and emergency service calls.
“(He) remained thorough, conscientious, ambitious and enthusiastic while responding to more runs than any other firefighter last year,” Rorbacher said.
The department has recognized officers and firefighters for service for more than 20 years, and didn’t want budget constraints to cut the program short. They had several sponsors this year that helped pay for the ceremony, including Accumed Billing Inc., Belfor Property Restoration and Rose’s restaurant.
“We feel it is important to honor our employees who go above and beyond their everyday responsibilities, and these generous donations provided us with the opportunity to host this year’s event at no cost to the department,” said Rorabacher.
