The union brothers awarded Captain Clay Hollister 2008 Firefighter of the Year and Firefighter Jim Kelecava as 2008 Golden Brotherhood of the Year.

Captain Hollister is viewed by his peers a hard working, fun and personally respectable firefighter.  Clay is admired for the way that he performs his job.  You will rarely hear Clay complaining about anything or anyone.  When he does, it usually is followed up with an action trying to make things or someone better.

In 2008, Captain Hollister not only performed his job with honor, integrity and respect but he also did some special things off duty that truly show what type of person he is.  Clay coordinated with MDOT to have the IAFF Local 1467 adopt a section Interstate 131 that we protect within our city, where members go out three times per year to clean it up.  Clay also participates with the community as a licensed Car Seat Technician, helping families to make sure their child seats are installed correctly.  Clay showed all of us how important “family” is to him.  Clay’s mother was suffering from kidney failure.  I think most of us would say that we would step up and help our own parent out.  Well Clay did just that.  Putting aside the fear of having to go through the surgery, personal health risk, etc, Clay donated one of his kidneys to his mother. 

Firefighter Jim Kelecava is one of the most self-less people in the Portage Fire Department.  Whenever there is a need, Jimmy is often one of the first members whom steps up and volunteers to help out in any way possible.  Where most people volunteer for “side line” types of activities, Jimmy is the one who takes on the lion share of responsibility.  There are several examples of this.  Jimmy works hand in hand with Brother Leve organizing the department’s MDA drive.  This year, we were able to raise over $18,000 due in large part to his support.  Another example is the way Jimmy steps up to help shop for the Local’s Christmas family.  Jimmy will spend hours in organizing, researching gift needs, shopping, etc. 

Finally and one of the biggest demonstrations of selflessness came with the announcement of Firefighter Brad Wilson’s cancer.  When Jimmy found out about Brad’s illness, he worked tirelessly along with others to organize, coordinate and then work hands on with multiple fund raisers, raising over $10,000 for his fund.  Jimmy has spent many days at the hospital with Brad, supporting him and his family at their great time of need.

These types of attributes are what make a great firemen.  It is these types of actions that make us a stronger fire department and as a Local.

Congratulations to both of you.  Keep up the great job.  It doesn’t go unnoticed!

Respectfully,

Richard M. Nason

President PPFFU