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Member of the Month

Four people in uniform with a Polk County Fire District flag.

Catherine O'Neil (Upper Right)


Since 2005, Catherine O'Neil has been an integral part of The Fire District, offering her unwavering support and dedication. Her commitment to the team and her community has now earned her the well-deserved title of Member of the Month.
For nearly two decades, Catherine's role as a support service person has been crucial in ensuring that the firefighters and staff are well-equipped and prepared for any situation.
Catherine's recent journey into motherhood has not slowed her down. In fact, she has seamlessly integrated her new role as a mother with her responsibilities at the station. By bringing her baby, James, along, she continues to contribute during P1FFA and provide support to the crews while they are out fighting fires. This balance between personal and professional life exemplifies Catherine's extraordinary dedication. Being chosen as Member of the Month is a testament to Catherine's hard work, dedication, and positive impact on The Fire District and its members. Her contributions are invaluable, and her passion for helping others is truly inspiring.
In honor of her achievements, we celebrate Catherine O'Neil not just for her service, but for the kindness and optimism she brings to the station. Congratulations, Catherine!

Naomi Kersey-Bronec (Upper Left); Max Patel (Lower Left); Camilla Alarcon(Lower Right)

Please join me in celebrating the outstanding achievements of three exemplary firefighters who have been recognized as our April 2025 Members of the Month. These dedicated individuals graduated from the July 2024 academy and have since made significant contributions to our community and fire department.


Naomi Kersey-Bronec
Naomi Kersey-Bronec has been an indispensable member of our team. She has received her EMR certification and has acquired several critical firefighter skills. Notably, Naomi has obtained certifications in Operating Extrication Tools and Forcible Entry. Her exceptional contributions were recognized by her fellow firefighters, who awarded her the prestigious Rookie of the Year 2025 honor. Naomi also represented the Polk Fire Fighters Association in the challenging 2025 Seattle Stair Climb, showcasing her dedication and endurance.


Max Patel
Max Patel has demonstrated remarkable proficiency and commitment to his role. He has earned his EMR certification and possesses a range of vital firefighter skills. Max has achieved certifications in Operating Extrication Tools and Deploy 1.75" Handline, underscoring his readiness for any emergency situation. His dedication and skill make him a valued team member, and his contributions are deeply appreciated by all.


Camilla
Camilla has excelled in her commitment to safety and hazardous material management. She holds both the NFPA Hazardous Material Awareness and Hazardous Materials Operations certifications. Since her graduation, she has mastered a comprehensive list of skills that enhance our department's capabilities. Like Naomi, Camilla also represented the Polk 1 FireFighters Association in the 2025 Seattle Stair Climb, exemplifying her physical and mental resilience.

All three of these exceptional volunteers are thoroughly deserving of this nomination. They embody dedication, reliability, honesty, and professionalism. Our organization is immensely proud to have them serve alongside us, and we look forward to their continued contributions and growth within our community.


Please join us in congratulating Naomi, Max, and Camilla on their well-deserved recognition as the April 2025 Members of the Month!