Rotary honors annual community heroes

The Carbon Valley Rotary Club held its annual Community Heroes Awards Jan. 18, where around 50 community members and public figures honored local firefighters, police officers and teachers for their commitment to serving others.

provided

From left, Ross Bruce, Frederick Police Department, Dave Puccetti, Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District, and Jean Luyendyk, teacher, Legacy Elementary School, were honored by the Carbon Valley Rotary as community heroes.

Buy this photo

    The event took place at the Bella Rosa Golf Course and included a buffet breakfast for attendees.
    The ceremony, which has been regularly organized by Gary Barbour, Frederick police chief, recognizes public servants who directly impact the safety of the community and mold the future generation of citizens.
    2010 marked the fourth year of the ceremony.
    This year, six teachers, three firefighters and three police officers were recognized.
    According to Barbour, this is the second year the ceremony focused on three particular occupations “because of the critical roles that they play.”
    One from each category was chosen as a 2010 Community Hero.
    Honorees received a plaque, a new $100 bill and a written summary of why they were chosen to win the award.
    According to Beverly Mendel, Carbon Valley Rotary Club past president, “It’s not that they do their jobs well, and they do. It’s what they do outside of their jobs.”
    Dave Puccetti, Frederick Firestone Fire Protection District fire marshal, won for Firefighter of the Year for 2010. Puccetti was nominated by Ted Poszywak, FFFPD fire chief.
    “Puccetti is well known in the community for his efforts at fire prevention and promoting safety for firefighters and for the public,” said Barbour. “It is Dave’s volunteer work that he is being recognized for today.”
    Puccetti was nominated by Poszywak due in large part to his participation in the “Hope Floats” program that provides free boating and fishing trips to disabled and disadvantaged youth and adults along the Front Range.
    Puccetti volunteers on the weekends during the warm weather months as captain to a donated pontoon boat.
    Ross Bruce, Frederick police officer, received the Police Officer of the Year award for his service of more than 10 years to the Frederick Police Department.
    According to his nominator, Frederick Police Sgt. Gregg Lotspeich, Bruce has formed strong partnerships with students, parents, school staff and administrators as one of the first school resource officers at Frederick High School.
    Bruce was also nominated for his involvement with business owners in downtown Frederick and because of his public education efforts, including self-defense classes for women and school students.    
    “These people put their lives at risk,” said Mendel. “And if it weren’t for teachers, we wouldn’t have first responders. They’re instilling those ethics.”
    Jean Luyendyk, Legacy Elementary School, received Teacher of the Year award. She was nominated by Legacy Principal Sean Corey.
    According to Corey, four years ago the kindergarten teacher started the Mitten Tree, an area fundraiser that collects mittens, scarves, hats and gloves to give to in-need families during the winter. She used connections with the Colorado Division of Wildlife to help students learn about natural sciences through the school’s Outback Program.
     “Her efforts have provided a legacy for continuing learning and service opportunities for students,” said Corey.
    Along with honoring Carbon Valley heroes, attendees also raised around $270 for Shelter Box, an international disaster relief organization that delivers emergency shelter and supplies for a family of up to 10 people.
    During the event, Karen, Sekich, governor for Rotary District 5450, discussed the importance of this organization.
    Each box costs $1,000 and contains survival equipment including thermal blankets, insulated ground sheets, mosquito nets, water purification supplies, basic tool kit, a multi-fuel stove, pans, utensils and children’s drawing books and crayons.
    Carbon Valley Rotary began working with Shelter Box last year after disastrous earthquakes hit Haiti.
    In the future, Mendel noted that the Rotary Club accepts Community Hero nominations from everyone.
    Sponsors for this year’s Community Heroes Awards were United Power and High Country Millwork.
    For information, visit www.carbonvalleyrotary.org  For information about ShelterBox, visit www.shelterboxusa.org.