SHELBY – The Shelby Fire Department recognized one of its honorary members with a new award on Tuesday.
Shelby firefighters awarded Brother Dan Gates with the department’s first-ever Distinguished Citizen Award. The award was first thought of around 18 months ago, and Gates was unanimously selected as the first recipient.
According to firefighter Sam Sauder, the criteria for the award is a member of the public who has brought honor upon him or herself in an effort to save life or property, or a member of the public or an organization that has made a significant contribution to the Shelby Fire Department or Shelby.
“We believe through Brother Dan’s work and commitment to the community of Shelby and the surrounding areas that he is more than deserving of this recognition,” Sauder said. “Brother Dan plays many roles in the community, all striving to make it a better place.”
Gates volunteers as the chaplain for both the Shelby Fire Department and the Shelby Police Department. He also has experience in prison ministries, helping those who are addicted to drugs, and those in crisis situations. Often times, Gates is shoulder-to-shoulder with police officers and firefighters on many of their calls.
“The camaraderie that has been built between Brother Dan and this department and our police department is unbelievable,” said Gates’ good friend, Mayor Steve Schag. “He is involved with people who are at crossroads in their lives, and his compassion comes through at the most crucial hours.
“I know he considers it a blessing to serve, but I hope you all consider it a blessing to have him as a partner and a friend.”
On Gates’ part, receiving the award and Tuesday’s ceremony came as a complete surprise. Forever humble, he considers working with Shelby’s firefighters the true award.
“They are good people – if there was something wrong at your house or mine, you would be so comforted to have any one of these guys there,” Gates said.
“I see them in the field, their compassion and their expertise, and there’s a lot of weariness that comes with this job,” he continued. “To be an encouragement to these guys is a real privilege.”
