Kenneth came to the North Richland Hills Fire Department on October 12, 1998, and promoted to Apparatus Operator on December 5, 2009. He holds certifications as Master Arson Investigator, Master Firefighter, Inspector, Driver/Operator-Pumper, Fire Service Instructor and Paramedic. He completed the Police Academy, holds an Associates Degree in Fire Science and Fire Investigation, and is currently working on a Bachelor’s Degree. Several years ago he transferred into the Prevention Division and has proven himself as a true asset to this Department. He is often called upon by the Operations Division when personnel have run into a problem with an inspection. Kenneth always makes himself available to assist with rectifying the problem. Many times he will quickly make the scene and assist with the inspection. He uses the opportunity as a teaching tool, and does his best to make certain that Operations personnel understand why the code is enforced as it is. Another area that many Department personnel do not have the opportunity to observe is his ability to interpret the intent of the fire code. Many times he is placed in a position where a compromise is needed to assist a business with a fire code issue. Kenneth excels at this, and is able to interpret the intent of the fire code, and offer an acceptable compromise to the occupant while maintaining a desired degree of safety. He is also a member of the Tarrant County Task Force, which works along with other agencies investigating fires throughout the county. He is the only Task Force member that is trained in cellular telephone forensics, and is contacted regularly by neighboring cites to write court order applications for cell phone records. He has obtained several confessions over the year which have led to convictions for arson. This firefighter is certainly an asset to the Department, and he exhibits a positive attitude and appearance for the Department on a daily basis.

Firefighter Smith demonstrates a high level of commitment to para-medicine and the service he provides to the citizens and visitors of the City. Jase continually strives to be the best paramedic he can be. He frequently quizzes, educates and challenges himself and his peers during down time at the station. This is in efforts to keep himself and others on top of their game. As one of the Department’s Field Training Officers, Jase is responsible for educating new Department employees on EMS procedures, proper patient relations, report writing, driving skills, and many other aspects of the job. He must complete daily EMS evaluations of the new employee and counsel them in areas that they do well and areas that need improvement. He is not fearful of addressing and/or reporting poor or deficient performance of someone he is training, no matter the outcome. This action is essential and requires a lot of courage. It is paramount in providing the citizens and our Department the most capable and competent paramedics possible. He has proven himself to be a serious and proficient Field Training Officer. Aside from FTO duties, as a paramedic he works well under extreme pressure in efforts to save a life, or provide compassion to patients. He is well rounded and provides the best care possible in all situations. He is confident and is not shaken, his knowledge and skill level are always precise. The community has also taken notice of this paramedic, and he was chosen as CareFlite’s First Responder of the Year, bringing a positive light to our Department and City. By nature, Jase will continue to be an asset to this Department by providing strong leadership, a great attitude and skill level that will further contribute to the great reputation of our Department.

Lt. Evers was hired as a Firefighter On August 2, 1987 and became a Paramedic the next year. He was promoted to Apparatus Operator on August 28, 1999, and to Lieutenant in June 26, 2004. David is well respected by his peers, subordinates, and leads by example. He is always providing them with the encouragement and support they need to make them the best they can be. He is consistent in his leadership and always has a positive attitude, even during the most difficult times. During the past year, Lt. Evers has taken on a much larger roll with the NEFDA Bomb Squad in the area of training and maintenance of the squad’s truck and equipment. As we all know, the care and maintenance of this equipment is paramount to the success or failure of the team who is depended upon by all 14 NEFDA cities. Lt. Evers just completed the Police Academy, and is pursuing an associate’s degree in Fire Prevention.