Each year the VRFA recognizes a Firefighter and Fire Officer of the Year, plus awards a member who exemplifies one of the organization’s core values: selfless service, integrity, and grit. Recipients are chosen by their co-workers.

Battalion Chief Bill Mack was selected as 2020 Fire Officer of the Year for his assistance in developing a capital facilities plan (CFP) for the VRFA. This document was a first for the VRFA and will guide the department in the coming years. It will help determine needs for fire stations, equipment, and staffing to keep up with the growing demand for Fire/EMS services.

Mack has served the citizens of Algona, Auburn, and Pacific for 29 years. In 2020 he accepted a temporary Deputy Chief promotion to work on the CFP. During this same period, he worked eight weeks in a temporary capacity as Deputy Chief of Technical Services and chaired a fire station design committee. In November, after completing his assignments, he returned to shift as a Battalion Chief.

Though Bill was required to balance managing the Technical Services Division, working on the CFP, chairing the Station Design Committee, and continuing with his Blue Card Incident Management responsibilities, he never faltered. He completed all tasks required of him with efficiency and professionalism. His dedication and leadership during 2020 exemplify why he is deserving of Fire Officer of the Year.