Posted on Jun 20, 2018
 

Mineral Wells Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Dunn, second from left, and MWPD Patrolman Thomas Lively, second from right, are the first recipients of Rotary Club of Mineral Wells' "Above and Beyond" awards honoring local first responders.

Rotary Vocational Service Chair Keri Walden, far right, was asked by club President David Cairone, left, to initiate a first responders recognition program. Walden, who is also the city's Municipal Court judge, said she sent nomination forms to law enforcement, fire and EMS departments in the county.

She presented Dunn and Lively with their awards at Wednesday's weekly club meeting at Holiday Hills Country Club. She read what was written about both winners on their nomination forms:

RYAN DUNN

Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Dunn was raised in Mineral Wells and graduated from Mineral Wells High School. Ryan left Mineral Wells in 2003 to attend South Plains College. While there, he received his Basic Firefighting certification and Paramedic certification. After working for the Plainview Fire Department, he returned with his family in 2010 and began working for the Mineral Wells Fire/EMS Department.

Ryan has been instrumental in advancing the fire/EMS service forward in Mineral Wells. One of his first tasks as assistant chief was to implement a medical billing contractor to ensure our Medicare/Medicaid compliance. This was a big step for this department in regards to patient reporting and confidentiality. This also allowed us to share patient information in a timely manner that might also affect a patient’s outcome.

Ryan has also worked diligently the last couple of years to improve our communication system. Mineral Wells Fire EMS now operates on its own frequency and doesn’t share one with the police department. This makes for safer operations for both the Fire/EMS and police personnel.

To help both the fire department, and more especially the community, Ryan has sought grants amounting to $2.4 million, of which Mineral Wells has been awarded $576,000 to date. Of the $2.4 million in grants requested, there is still $900,000 that could still possibly be awarded to Mineral Wells Fire/EMS.

Although Assistant Chief Dunn’s normal working hours are from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, if he’s needed, he’s here. Assistant Chief Dunn sets a standard for all to follow. He shares his knowledge and promotes harmony within the department and the city.

The citizens of Mineral Wells and the personnel of the Fire/EMS Department would have to look long and hard for someone as dedicated as he is, for the good of all. This community is better because of Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Dunn.

THOMAS LIVELY

Officer Thomas Lively consistently demonstrates the qualities desired in our officers. He works hard, completes his work and consistently produces high-quality reports.

He believes in setting an example that will inspire others and tries to live that belief. He is honest with himself and others, fair, patient, shows great compassion for the weak, ill and powerless, yet is firm when needed. He demonstrates a positive attitude and willingly takes on extra tasks so as to resolve community problems.

He has a vision of what the Mineral Wells Police Department can become and is outspoken in his attempts to convey those ideas to officers and the public.