This is a special award recognizing the maintenance of a consistently outstanding level of performance.

Firefighter David Jennings

For embodying what it means to be a firefighter, we recognize Firefighter David Jennings as the 2007 Firefighter of the Year.

David has served with the Irving Fire Department for 10 years and is assigned to Engine 5-A Shift. Taking great pride in his station and honor in his career David unfailingly performs at the highest level of professionalism. His flawless execution, attention to detail and persistent positive attitude has earned him the recognition of his comrades and team.

This is a special award recognizing the maintenance of a consistently outstanding level of performance.

Captain Jerry Kirby

For 25 years of tireless effort on behalf of the Irving Fire Department we recognize Captain Jerry Kirby Engine 1-A Shift.  

Jerry is known for his commitment and dedication to protecting and serving his men and the citizens of Irving. From skipping morning chow so that he can catch up on safety reports to traveling across the country in quest of further training Captain Kirby leaves no stone unturned. Captain Kirby has received EMS, hazardous materials, swift water rescue and WMD training and was active in implementing the “Vial of Life” program. These days Jerry can be found on the 1^st and 3^rd Friday of every month at the Heritage Senior Center assisting with blood pressure checks and visiting with neighbors.

This is the 2^nd highest award given by the Irving Fire Department. It is given to those who perform exceptional deeds involving substantial risk and the possibility of personal injury.

Each of these men will receive free airfare for two to anywhere in the continental United States courtesy of Southwest Airlines.

Captain Phil Riddle

Phil has been with the Irving Fire Department for 30 years and is assigned to on Engine 6-C Shift.

Firefighter Andy Lancaster

Andy has been with the Irving Fire Department for 24 years and is assigned to Engine 6-C Shift.

Captain Riddle and Firefighter Lancaster with Engine 6 responded to a structure fire at 1115 Esters Road. The crews responding recognized that the fire already had a significant head start due to unusually high winds. Crews on the ground spotted someone at a window on the second floor of the apartment complex and notified command of a possible rescue.  

Captain Riddle and Firefighter Lancaster were making entry in to the front of the apartment to render aid when the concrete landing they were standing on collapsed dropping them to the ground and injuring both Captain Phil Riddle and Firefighter Andy Lancaster. 

Despite their injuries, Captain Riddle and Firefighter Lancaster tried to remain on scene to help until ordered to go to the hospital for medical aid.

May be awarded to any firefighter as the result of fire fighting or emergency rescue operations.

Each of these men will receive a recliner for their station courtesy of THE DUMP.

Lieutenant Ken “Kruzer” Kruszynski

Ken has been with the Irving Fire Department for 20 years and is the Lieutenant on Engine 2-C Shift. 

Firefighter David Jennings

David has been with the Irving Fire Department for 10 years and is assigned to Engine 5-A Shift.

Two firefighters were injured fighting a four–alarm apartment fire February 24, 2007. Fanned by unusually high winds the fire, which would normally have been contained to one upstairs unit, instead hungrily devoured multiple apartments before coming under control. Lieutenant Kruszynski and Firefighter Jennings on Truck 2 reported to the fire at 1115 Esters Road where they were directed to a second floor apartment where an image of a resident had been glanced. Lt. “Kruzer” made entry through the second floor window barreling through the choking black smoke in search of the victim and upon finding him carried the victim in his arms to the window where Firefighter Jennings immediately rendered aid.

May be awarded to any firefighter as the result of fire fighting or emergency rescue operations.

Each of these men will receive a recliner for their station courtesy of THE DUMP.

Captain “Bobby” Willingham

Captain Willingham has been with the Irving fire department for 31 years and is assigned to Truck 2-A Shift.

Captain Kenneth Boozer

Captain Boozer has been with the Irving fire department for 28 years and is assigned to Engine 5-A Shift.

 Firefighter Josh Nicholes

Firefighter Nicholes has been with the Irving fire department for 11 years and is assigned to Engine 5-A Shift.

On April 14^th of 2007, the Irving Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 2418 W 5^th Street. The first units arriving that day reported heavy smoke and fire conditions with two people trapped inside. Captain Bobby Willingham and Firefighter David Jennings arrived with Truck 2 and were assigned rescue along with Captain Kenneth Boozer and Firefighter Josh Nicholes arriving with Engine 5.  

Truck 2 tried to make entry into the home through the front, but was unable to gain access. Forcing entry through the side of the home they experienced heavy smoke and high heat conditions. Crawling through the structure searching for any possible victims Dave Jennings found a resident of the home who had been overcome by the toxic smoke and quickly began moving him to safety. Bobby Willingham notified command that one victim had been found and began assisting David with the rescue.

Engine 5 assisted Truck 2 at the doorway of the building and then proceeded into the structure to search for other victims. Captain Boozer found the second resident of the home who had also been overtaken by smoke. With fire conditions worsening due to exploding oxygen cylinders and heavy fire load, Captain Boozer and Firefighter Nicholes quickly removed her to the safety of the front yard where Paramedics were waiting to render aid.

This award is not awarded every year. It goes only to those firefighters who have devoted their entire career and life to protecting the City of Irving and its inhabitants. It comes only by facing formidable challenges and demonstrating in them repeatedly heroic efforts. In honor of Gene “Shakey” Holder, the award is handed to a firefighter who continues to inspire junior team members, infuse his station with honor, and instill in the memory of all what it means to  be called a “Firefighter.” For his commitment to his colleagues, his profession, and the safety of his fellow citizens; For the respect and admiration he elicits in all whom he encounters; For strength and honor in the face of adversity; We hereby bestow the “Shakey” Holder award to Captain Larry Erwin.

Captain Larry Erwin

Larry has been with the Irving Fire Department for 39 years and is assigned as the Captain on Truck 7 C Shift.

Larry is being given this award due to lifelong service to the citizens of Irving. Through hard work, development of personnel, leadership, and adapting to new standards and trends he has been an inspiration to us all. Larry has always been cast in a leadership role. Even during his tour in Vietnam his leadership qualities were visible to all, as he was moved up to take charge in the absence of regular officers.  Here too, on the Irving Fire Department, he was pushed to serve in a higher capacity often during his career. Through training and leading by example he has inspired confidence in his men, and shaped many firefighters careers. Larry has also volunteered his time and efforts in community service projects, from assembling playground equipment in Victoria Park, helping an elderly woman who lost her belongings in a fire, or serving on the IPFFA benevolent committee, Larry is always giving his best.