Quiet Firefighter Named Port of Seattle's "Firefighter of the Year"

Experienced veteran leads by example

(Seattle)--Port of Seattle firefighters have named 14-year veteran Greg Baruso their department's 1999 Firefighter of the Year. Baruso was among six nominees for the award, and was selected by a vote of his peers.

Concurring heartily in the decision was Port of Seattle Fire Chief Tom Barrett.

"Greg exemplifies what other firefighters strive to be," said Barrett. "He quietly performs his duties, day in and day out, above and beyond the expected level of performance."

"I couldn't be happier that Greg's co-workers sought to bestow this honor," said Barrett.

Baruso joined the Port of Seattle in 1986, and has worked in all fire fighting functions, including inspection, training and Special Teams. He currently serves, when called on, as an acting Lieutenant. He was the first Filipino-American firefighter to join the department.

Of special note is that Baruso hasn't used a sick leave day since Feb 10, 1988.

"I sprained an ankle playing basketball in a police league," said Baruso. "It was worth it, though, because our fire department team beat the police."

Also heaping praise on Baruso was the President of the Sea-Tac Firefighters Union Local 1257, Bill Jones.

"I needed someone to step up and run our annual Salmon Derby and Fun Run," Jones said. "We raise thousands of dollars for the Northwest Burn Foundation and it's important that the event happen seamlessly. Greg took on the task just like he was going to a fire."

The Fire Fighter of the Year is a joint labor-management program funded equally by the Port of Seattle and the firefighters union local.

Baruso was surprised to receive the 1999 award, though he's been nominated in the past.

"This kind of award is really for the people who helped me in my career, when I was a young firefighter," said Baruso. "I just try to be like them."

"I simply try to be the best, most honest person I can be," he said.

Five other department members were nominated by their co-workers. Allen Martinez, Chris Grant, Ed Horstman, Ron Ullrich and Jim West. Chief Barrett noted that all nominations come from co-workers, an honor in itself.

The award was officially presented in a coffee and cake reception on March 14. Baruso will also receive a dinner for two at the restaurant of his choice. Chief Barrett and union president Bill Jones as well as many other members of the Fire Department will also attend.

Additionally, Baruso will receive a $500 check, of which $250 comes from the department and $250 from the firefighters' union.