Jeff Rech - 2012

Awarded this 11th day of February, 2012

This honor is extended as the department's highest achievement award for contributions to the development of the fire service in Campbell County.  The Walk of Fame exemplifies the attributes of a firefighter who unselfishly gives of her/his time and talents to the community.

The Campbell County Fire Department proudly bestows upon Jeff Rech this 2011 Walk of Fame award.  Jeff has contributed 23 honorable years to CCFD.  He began his career as a volunteer in 1988, and he became a career firefighter in 1995, accepting the challenge to become Wright’s first career firefighter.  At that time, Station Nine’s membership consisted of eight volunteers.  Jeff is committed to and is supportive of his firefighters, always looking to the future for ways that Station Nine and its members can fight fire smarter, not harder.  Through his advocacy, leadership, mentorship, and training, Jeff has transformed Station Nine into a first-rate emergency response service consisting of more than 20 responders.  He has been the driving force in acquiring firefighting apparatus and the new Station Nine facility at Sagebluff Drive.

Battalion Chief Rech is a mainstay in Wright and Southern Campbell County as a responder to fires, assisting citizens, checking weather and road conditions, and assisting EMS and law enforcement.  A defining moment occurred in Wright at approximately 5:00 p.m. on August 12, 2005 when a deadly tornado struck Wright killing two people and destroying several residences.  Jeff first requested that the emergency sirens be activated.  Then after the tornado had passed, Jeff and the other responders were involved in a massive effort going house-to-house rescuing victims and assisting citizens.

Jeff Rech is hereby awarded the Campbell County Fire Department Walk of Fame award in recognition of his unwavering support and 23 years of service.  Jeff represents the true spirit of a volunteer firefighter, team player, friend and dedicated community servant.  His actions serve as an example to fellow firefighters keeping with the highest traditions of the Campbell County Fire Department.