Capt. Leroy Pukrup was one of several honorees of the evening. (Metro Wire photo)

Dewey Fire Department celebrates service, achievements at annual banquet

January 24, 2025

By Brandi Makuski

DEWEY — The Dewey Fire Department gathered with community members and supporters on Jan. 11 for its annual awards and recognition banquet, held at Bullhead’s Bar and Grill.

The event highlighted the department’s achievements in 2024 and honored its members for their dedication to serving the community.

Fire Chief Brian Lepper opened the evening by thanking the department’s staff, retirees, landowners, elected officials, and other supporters who contribute to the success of the department. He emphasized the growing demands on emergency services and the importance of community support.

In 2024, the department responded to 48 calls, including 19 fire-related incidents and 35 EMS calls. Six of those calls required joint fire and EMS efforts. Mutual aid requests increased, with assistance provided to seven neighboring departments, including Stevens Point and Plover. Lepper noted this trend reflects both growing confidence in Dewey’s capabilities and widespread staffing challenges in emergency services.

During the banquet, Lepper recognized several members for their outstanding contributions:

Dennis Meis and Kent Kuzynski: Top responders, with Meis leading overall responses and Kuzynski leading fire entries.
Tiffani Sadogierski: Acknowledged for answering 17 EMS calls, a near tie with Lepper’s record of 18.
Malayna Polum: Recognized for completing a fire inspector course at Mid-State Technical College, a first for the department.
Dennis Meis and Jeff Lochinger: Honored for 15 years of service to the fire department.
Malayna Polum: Celebrated for 10 years of combined service in fire and EMS roles.
Rich Marsolek and Matt Dombrowski: Recognized for five years of service, with Marsolek serving in fire and Dombrowski in EMS.

Special challenge coins were awarded to:

Kent Kuzynski, for performing CPR on a coworker during an emergency.
Josh Kolodziej, for his acceptance into medical school, supported by a military scholarship.

Kolodziej was also recognized for successfully recruiting new member Zach Kolodziej to the department.

The evening celebrated the department’s involvement in community events, such as boat races, a Guinness World Record water skiing event, and a town anniversary celebration. Recent upgrades, including the operation of a new SCBA compressor and grants secured for equipment improvements, were highlighted.

Looking ahead, Lepper emphasized the need for recruitment and auxiliary support to address staffing shortages. He announced a personal incentive, offering $50 for each new recruit who becomes certified in firefighting or EMS.

“As a department, we’re committed to serving the community, but we need more hands to fill our boots and stethoscopes,” Lepper said. “Together, we can ensure Dewey remains a safe place for everyone.”

The event concluded with a proclamation from the Portage County executive recognizing the department’s 50 years of service and a commemorative beer case presented by Point Brewery.