Firefighter/Paramedic Walter Prestel Named PHFD 2017 Firefighter of the Year

The Prospect Heights Fire Protection District is pleased to announce that WALTER PRESTEL has been named its 2017 Firefighter of the Year. At today’s Annual Member Recognition Luncheon, Fire Chief Drew Smith presented Firefighter Prestel with the award.

This year six of the 45 members of the PHFD were nominated with FF Prestel receiving the most votes. Walter was nominated by Lieutenant Kelly Cossman who wrote:

Walter has a very strong work ethic. He always has a positive attitude and is always willing to get his hands dirty to get things done. Walter is a husband and a soon to be dad. He has completed paramedic school this year and is a positive influence to all the members of the department. Wally has accomplished this task while working for three departments. His commitment to our organization has always been evident. If someone doesn't snag him up full time I would hope we could be lucky enough to have him full time with us one day. –Lt. Cossman

Wally has been a member of the PHFD since 2013 having completed the fire academy that same year. In his four-plus years with the PHFD he has become a fire apparatus engineer able to drive and operate the pumps and aerial apparatus. Recently, Wally completed paramedic school and was issued his paramedic license from the State of Illinois.

“Wally is an upbeat person with a positive can-do attitude and a real pleasure to work with. He pitches in wherever he can and does not hesitate to get involved. His commitment to become a paramedic and spend a year in class, hospital clinical rotations, personal study time, and field internship say a lot about his character. Wally never says no and treats the routine housekeeping work with the same dedication as he gives when working to save a life.” said Chief Smith.

Since 1991, firefighters have nominated one of their peers for this award. Each member bases their nomination decision on the following criteria: training and performance, performance on emergency incidents, general leadership, helping other members of the department, involvement in special projects, and overall positive attitude towards the department, its members, and the public. The nominations and ballots are circulated to the members and following voting, the firefighter with the most votes is named the Firefighter of the Year.