On April 5, 2025, we held our 2024 Annual Awards Banquet. For the magazine submission, I’d like to include our “of the year” recipients. To be a recipient of our annual award, members must exemplify the highest degree of professionalism and dedication to the job. These three individuals have stood out and earned this recognition from peers and leadership. Presenting the awards were Deputy Chief Corey Rice and Fire Chief Eric Lewis.
The first picture is Firefighter/EMT Kaden Bayless, 2024 Volunteer Firefighter of the Year. Kaden has been with Sullivan Fire Protection District for 2 and a half years. He is also a paid firefighter with Boles Fire Protection District. Kaden is everything we strive for in a volunteer firefighter. He has done everything asked and expected of him, and ahead of schedule. He completed Firefighter 1 & 2, got EMT, exceeded training requirements and emergency response requirements and also received a Unit Citation Medal for a traumatic EMS call involving a stabbing.
The second picture is Firefighter/EMT Jacob Dace, 2024 Paid Firefighter of the Year. Jacob has been with the SFPD for just over 5 years. He is also a member of the state’s swift water task force. He constantly stays busy and engaged, helping on numerous critical projects, such as revamping all district-run cards. He has gotten his Instructor 1, Fire Officer 1, ICS 300 and 400, and is almost complete with his Paramedic licensure. Jacob also received a Unit Citation Medal for a swift water rescue during extreme flooding in 2024.
The third picture is Lieutenant Stetson Zelch, 2024 Fire Officer of the Year. Stetson has been with the SFPD for over 14 years, beginning as a Junior Firefighter. He was a paid firefighter for a period of time, before taking a job as a firefighter in St. Louis City. He has served as a Lieutenant for SFPD for the past 3 years. Stetson helps lead our Training Division, is a key player in leading our community outreach and engagement efforts, and also led our election committee last year, which had a direct impact on the passing of our tax increase.
These three members truly embody our values and project the professional culture that Sullivan Fire Protection District maintains. We are extremely proud of these folks and their many accomplishments in 2024.
FFAM
