IC firefighters honored for dedication

Sanchez named Firefighter of the Year for 2025

 

IMLAY CITY — Firefighters across the the country, no matter what department, will tell you they don’t do the work for accolades or honors. Typically, they are in the business to serve their communities and give back to those who have gone before them.

It is no different in Imlay City and recently, the fire department took time to hand out two of their top annual honors, the 2025 Firefighter of the Year and the Kip Reaves Memorial Wingnut Award.

The 2025 Firefighter of the Year was presented to Firefighter Rodrigo Sanchez for consistently making himself available to respond and going above and beyond to support fire calls and special events, according to department members.

Chief Keith Klobucar says the dedication and support of Sanchez “did not go unnoticed by his fellow firefighters who overwhelmingly selected Rodrigo as this year’s ‘Firefighter of the Year’.”

Rodrigo joined the department in 2023 after enrolling in the Firefighter I & II program at Oakland Community College. He grew up in Imlay City and works for a local business.

“This allows him to be available to respond to numerous calls, specifically daytime calls, when all departments in the county are short-staffed,” Chief Klobucar pointed out.

“He shows up to events, trainings, and calls with a ready-to-work attitude. He is also fluent in Spanish, which is a valuable asset in our community. He has gone on to complete his Emergency Medical Technician training to further broaden his capabilities and advance his future career options.”

The Imlay City Fire Department 2025 Kip Reaves Memorial Wingnut Award was presented to Assistant Chief Matt Makedonsky for overcoming numerous obstacles on scene or responding to fire calls.

Whether it was a flat tire, a coolant leak, or just mistakenly grabbing the nastiest-tasting Gatorade drinks to share with the group on a hot day, he always persevered and supported each and every call he responded to.

Due to his persistent attitude, the group selected Makedonsky as this year’s “Kip Reaves Memorial Wingnut Award” recipient.

Chief Klobucar explained, “Matt joined the department in 2009 and quickly completed his Firefighter I & II courses. He wasted no time completing his Company Fire Officer and Instructor Classes. He was promoted to a Fire Lieutenant in 2015 and ultimately promoted to an Assistant Chief in 2018.”

Makedonsky has been named “Firefighter of the Year” in the past. His peers say the Asst. Chief is essential to running day-to-day operations; his calm but confident personality brings order to chaos during stressful incidents.

His 26 years of service are invaluable in taking command and leading the group to safely and efficiently get closure to any emergency incident, Chief Klobucar said.

The “Kip Reaves Memorial Wingnut Award” is presented to an individual who has persevered through some unusual, often humorous, events on a call, training or at other events.

The award is selected by fellow firefighters and presented to the person who demonstrates they can adapt, maintain composure, and complete the assigned task.

The award, revived from previous years, is presented in memory of Retired Fire Chief Kip Reaves.

Many thanks to all of the Imlay City firefighters for working to keep the community safe.