The Excelsior Springs Fire Department recently celebrated several promotions and achievements at their annual end-of-the-year holiday party and awards ceremony. Fire Chief Joe Maddick said the tradition of presenting awards during the holiday party began approximately eight years ago to create a fun and festive atmosphere for the annual event.
Several promotions within the department’s ranks were at the heart of the celebration. Two firefighters were promoted to Captain: Nathan Box, previously a Firefighter EMT, and Jason Ortbals, formerly a Firefighter Paramedic. Their advancement to leadership positions is evidence of their dedication and skill in the demanding emergency services field.
The evening was also significant for three members who completed their rigorous probationary period, marking a rite of passage into the brotherhood and sisterhood of firefighting. Kevin Guck, McKenna Holdshoe, and Brittany Olds received their official firefighter badges and collar brass, symbols of their full-fledged status as firefighters, ready to face the challenges that lie ahead with the support of their seasoned colleagues.
Adding to the camaraderie and festive spirit was a Secret Santa gift exchange that brought laughter and a touch of mischief to the evening. The highlight was a particularly inventive gift from Brittany Olds to Zach St. John, involving multiple nested boxes and a final reveal of a small pocket knife hidden within a tiny box, all amid a shower of glitter. It was a moment of humor that exemplifies the close-knit nature of the Excelsior Springs Firefighters.
As the department looks forward to another year of service, the leadership and firefighters stand ready to face any emergency, armed with new ranks, renewed bonds, and the spirit of the holidays.
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