Photo: JRFD Facebook

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Volunteer Firefighter Jack Meikle with the Jamestown Rural Fire Department (JRFD) has been recognized as their 2019 Firefighter of the Year.

Meikle has been a volunteer with the JRFD for 21 years. Chief Brian Paulson says when they decide on who should receive the award, they look at several criteria, many of which Miekle met and exceeded.

“We look for people in our organization that go above and beyond with training, fires, volunteer and etcetera,” Chief Paulson stated.

“Basically, with the event of our new station being built, Jack has been a huge part of that happening. He’s been very active in getting the building constructed. With USDA requirements, one of the people from our district or department are required to to check in daily with contractors, the work being done, weather conditions and stuff. Keeping things on task. Jack stepped up to do that and he’s kind of been running with that project every day.”

The ongoing construction of the new Jamestown Rural Fire Department’s Firehall has gone on more than 200 days and Chief Paulson says Jack’s been present at the site every one of those days.

“He’s stepped up in a big way. He never complains and is always willing to help. Just a good, fine example of what a leader does and what a leader is. He just has those qualities.”

Meikle is also a member of the local Emergency Planning Commission that meets quarterly as well as the building committee and membership committee.

“He’s one of our more senior members and a very dependable fixture on our department. We’re fortunate he can help out in that way for us. He’s done a tremendous job on the project, which has run so smooth. It’s a credit to his leadership.”

As far as the fire hall, Chief Paulson says their looking at closing on the loan December 20th. There will still need to be some work on plumbing and some mechanical things and they’re looking to be in the new building in early 2020.