A vote by the membership was all it took to select two fellow firefighters as top performers. Derik Roloff, Firefighter of the Year, and Adam Hawkinson, Rookie of the Year, were honored at the Marthasville Fire Protection District (MFPD) annual award banquet held Saturday, Jan. 21.

Roloff said a good friend brought him to the firehouse in 2016. He had an immediate interest in learning more. At age 16, he became a junior firefighter and began training with the MFPD. He hopes to earn the title of engineer in the future, giving his attention to the fire apparatus.

When he is not working or responding to an emergency call with the MFPD, Roloff spends time with his dad in the construction business, working on his grandfather’s farm or hunting and fishing. Oftentimes, though, Roloff is tending to needs at Station 1 or attending weekly training with the department.

“Watching him grow has been awesome,” said Interim Chief Sean Johnson about Roloff. “He’s eager to learn. He’s a human sponge and is willing to do any task. He’ll become one of our leaders in the future.”

Hawkinson, a native of Washington, has been with the MFPD since the fall of 2021. Before recently moving back to the Marthasville area, Hawkinson spent time working in the entertainment business promoting a variety of events from his Salt Lake City home. Some of those events included concerts, weddings, political rallies and minor league hockey.

“COVID shut everything down,” he said. “I came up to the firehouse to talk and they gave me gear. Everyone has welcomed me with open arms. I never would have thought about this. I learn something new every day.”

Hawkinson said he studied sports management in college, took on an internship with the Blues hockey team, then moved to Salt Lake City. Returning home and becoming part of the Marthasville community was the last thing on his mind.

“Responding with the district gives me an adrenaline rush,” said Hawkinson. “I enjoy trying to help people. Someone’s got to do it and I enjoy it.”

“Adam is the first to jump up and volunteer for a task,” said Johnson. He’s eager to learn everything. He is gaining well-rounded knowledge, from administrative tasks to traditional firefighting skills. In addition to Rookie of the Year, Adam was also our top responder, with Derik following as the third top responder in the number of calls.”

Johnson said both men are compassionate, calm, level-headed and are able to adjust to the fluid situations often accompanying an emergency situation.

Roloff said the MFPD is a second family to him.

“Most people don’t understand it until you are a part of something like that,” he said. “I want to keep on training and give the best service I can to this community.”

Hawkinson agreed and said he is finding there are a lot of “good solid people” that make up the volunteer membership at the MFPD, whether it’s for the fire department or on a personal level.

“It’s a group I definitely want to be a part of,” said Hawkinson.

Several other members were recognized during the annual banquet. Retired Fire Chief Jim Buescher was honored for 50 years with the department. Helmet shields were earned by Cristenee’ Smith, Jeremy Smith, Hawkinson, Austin Eime and Amanda Meyer. 

The MFPD received 382 calls in 2022, with 184 being rescue calls. Auxiliary member of the year was Michelle Erikson. Citizen awards were given to Servpro of St. Charles City and Liberty Artworks for their continued support of the MFPD.