Rotary Club honors three DFR professionals

Selfless and brave service to the community is nothing new for Dallas Fire Rescue (DFR) personnel. These quiet professionals serve the City without fanfare, so to be nominated by peers and supervisors for recognition is indeed something special.

On March 18th the Prestonwood Rotary Club held its Annual Emergency Responder Appreciation Award Ceremony at the Prestonwood Country Club, honoring three DFR members – Lieutenant Everett Hamessley, Driver-Engineer Edward Levell and Fire Prevention Office Daisy Castaneda.

In his nomination of Lt. Hamessley, Deputy Chief, George Gamez wrote, “Lieutenant Hamessley has been a tremendous asset to our staff. He brings his best, day in and day out. He is a humble man of integrity that is committed to providing quality service to the citizens of Dallas. He is always courteous, respectful and helpful with members of our staff as well as anyone he encounters”. Gamez added, “He was instrumental in starting the quality management program for EMS, and has really helped us take a step forward by training our members in proper patient care documentation”.

In her nomination of Ed Levell, Captain Janet Cowan wrote, “While others tend to request being assigned to a slower station at some point during their careers, Ed has a continued desire to be utilized to his full potential every shift – even after 36 years of service”. Cowan also commented that Levell’s leadership skills make him a valuable asset,” and “he also has proven to be an exceptional member to support newly appointed and transferred Officers”.

In his nomination of Daisy Castaneda, Senior Fire Prevention Officer, Anthony Jacobs wrote, “Not only is she exceptional in her assigned duties, but she also finds outlets, aside from work, which benefit others. She loves promoting awareness throughout the community, and is always the first to lend her expertise to other fields such as the Arson Division, education programs and the Public Information Office.”

Dallas Fire Chief Louie Bright also praised the professionals for their service and commitment.
“All three of these professionals go above and beyond every day in their service to the city of Dallas and the community,” said Bright. “They are true excellence enablers that make DFR a great lifesaving team.”