Top firefighter, cop honored at city meeting | Palatka Daily News, Palatka, Florida

Palatka Fire Department Engineer David Zimmer, center, receives the Firefighter of the Year award from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3349 Quartermaster Gerald Shuler, left, and Commander Gerald Donnelly, right.
Palatka Police Department Lt. Scott Mast, second from left, was named Officer of the Year. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3349 Quartermaster Gerald Shuler, left, and Commander Gerald Donnelly, right, presented the award while Police Chief Jason Shaw accompanied Mast.
Positively Putnam FL

Palatka celebrated its Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year at Thursday night’s commission meeting, honoring two employees with about 26 years of collective experience.

Engineer David Zimmer is a 10-year veteran of the Palatka Fire Department. Lt. Scott Mast has been with the Palatka Police Department for 16 years.

Fire Chief Chris Taylor and Police Chief Jason Shaw prepared statements, which were read by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3349 Quartermaster Gerald Shuler.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3349 Commander Gerald Donnelly thanked both agencies for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The awards recipients are determined by the individual departments, and the awards are presented by the VFW.

“We could not do it without these people,” Donnelly said. “I think they did a wonderful job.”

Mast runs the new officer training program and manages equipment for sworn officers and the field-training program. He also has assisted with the department’s information technology division.

Shaw characterized Mast as an effective team member with the willingness to go above and beyond. Shaw said Mast’s attitude is contagious and he serves as a mentor to younger officers.

“Lt. Mast’s hard work and dedication is evident on a daily basis. His ability to multi-task is remarkable,” Shaw wrote. “He proves it is possible to be efficient while handling several agendas at the same time.”

Zimmer came from the construction industry and spent time with a local volunteer fire department before joining Palatka in 2011. He earned the rank of engineer in 2018.

Taylor praised Zimmer’s work ethic as second to none and said he is a respected leader at the department.

“I believe he’s deserving of this award and recommend him without reservation,” Taylor said.

Engineers are responsible for driving trucks, managing heavy equipment and making sure tools are in order. Taylor said Zimmer’s recognition stems from his consistency and overall effort for the department.

“He’ll do anything you ask him to do,” Taylor said. “He’s always willing to step up and always a great team player.”

On Thursday, the fire department also recognized Jeremy Granger, Jared Bradley, Mike Vogel and Alec Dowell for completing their one-year probation period. John Foley, Kenny Reed and Philip Smith were sworn in for promotions to engineer, lieutenant and captain, respectively.