EPHRATA — The Ephrata Fire Department celebrated its volunteers, leadership and support staff during its 2025 annual awards banquet, highlighting standout service, years of dedication and the commitment that keeps the department strong. 

Fire Chief Jeremy Burns, who recently marked 30 years with the department, said the banquet is one of his favorite traditions because it recognizes the people who show up day after day. 

“It’s exciting to reward people for their years of service,” Burns said. “The average volunteer firefighter in this nation only volunteers for about three and a half years. So once we start getting in the fives, the 10s, the 15s and the 20s, years of service in our organization. That means a lot.” 

This year's service milestones totaled more than 100 combined years. Honorees included Admin Assistant Misty Fairchild with 20 years; Deputy Chief Anthony Graaff with 15 years; Captain Colleen Winski and Lieutenant Casey Severin with 10 years; and several five‑year volunteers, including Carson Burns, Beau DeChenne, Amanda Perez, Gavin Burns and Jaymen Froewiss. 

Burns said seeing longtime volunteers receive recognition reminds him of those who shaped the department before him. 

“Through many years, before any of us were here, there was a group of dedicated volunteers that said, ‘Hey, we need fire protection, and we need to serve our community,’” he said. “We still respond today to their principles … good equipment, good training and expertise.” 

Firefighter Emily Grass, who joined the department in 2024, was named the 2025 Firefighter of the Year and was also one of the department’s top responders. 

Burns had high praise for her dedication. 

“She’s just been a ray of sunshine,” he said. “She continues to seek additional training and certifications… she understands how much that betters those around her. Very proud of what she’s accomplished in the few years she’s been here.” 

Grass is expected to complete her EMT exam in early 2026. 

The department recognized five top responders for 2025: Firefighter Emily Grass, Lieutenant Casey Severin, Lieutenant Jake Pearce, Firefighter Carter Burns and Captain Colleen Winski.  

Burns highlighted each firefighter’s contributions.  

Severin, he said, “has been a top responder for just about every year he’s been on this fire department.”  

Winski, Ephrata’s first-ever woman to make captain, continues to grow as a mentor and command officer. 

Firefighter Carter Burns, the chief’s nephew, “has been really instrumental on some of our daytime calls when our numbers are low.” 

Lieutenant Jake Pearce, who joined after moving to Ephrata to teach music, brings valuable wildland and structural experience.  

“Super reliable,” Burns said. 

The department currently has 38 volunteers and is midway through a new recruit academy. Burns said maintaining strong membership is increasingly rare across the country. 

“We continually read across the United States of volunteer numbers continuing to go down,” he said. “A strong organization is a tribute to the people in it and the camaraderie they enjoy serving their community. We’re just very thankful and blessed.” 

The department responded to 513 calls last year, a decrease Burns attributes to Lifeline Ambulance handling more medical calls. 

As Burns reflected on three decades with the department, he said the motivation is simple. 

“There’s a sense of pride and commitment to your community,” he said. “It’s definitely very rewarding.” 

    The Ephrata Fire Department celebrated its top five responders for 2025. This includes Firefighter Emily Grass, Lieutenant Casey Severin, Lieutenant Jake Pearce, Firefighter Carter Burns and Captain Colleen Winski.
  

    The 2025 Ephrata Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Emily Grass, middle, who joined the department in 2024. Chief Jeremy Burns, left, said she is like a ray of sunshine. Deputy Chief Anthony Graaff is also pictured, right.