DIXON, CA (MPG) - "Our community needs to know the names and faces of the people that serve selflessly to protect our citizens and region," said Dixon Fire Chief Todd McNeal.

McNeal promoted and recognized numerous Dixon firefighters at a recent City Council Meeting.

"I feel that publicly recognizing our Dixon Fire members is vitally important,” McNeal said. “Dixon firefighters are committed to service before self."

His goal was to honor the 2021 award recipients and to announce and pin the newest promotions within the department.

"We have a tremendous staff," McNeal said, adding that Grant Haynie was awarded Firefighter of the Year for 2021.

The promotions are Michael Raycraft, Grant Haynie and Justin Hemje to Engineers; Zach Glankle and Nick Warren are now Captains; and the Battalion Chiefs are Jarrod Infante and Randy Shafer.

The award for Commendation of Superior Effort went to John Malone, Taylor McAbee, Jarrod Infante, Al Apaka, Grant Haynie, Markus Lincoln, Wade Norberg, Michael Raycraft and Chris Wilson. The nine individuals performed a life rescue involving a submerged vehicle that had a life trapped inside.

The Cody Robben Memorial Life Saving Awards went to Nick Warren, Wade Norberg, Al Apaka, Christian Arriaga-Bautista, Justin Hemje, Zach Glankler, Jarrod Infante, Grant Haynie, Markus Lincoln, Wolfgang Riedel and Randy Shafer. This was in recognition of their efforts for bringing a person back to life that was technically considered deceased, according to McNeal.

That award is in remembrance of James "Cody" Robben, who was only 24 years old when he passed away in 2010 from injuries he sustained during an off-duty auto accident in Dixon. He had grown up in the Dixon Fire Department, following the footsteps of his father, Tony Robben.

Chris Wilson was honored with the Al Benefield Award for most volunteer participation.