Air show honors Sedalia firefighter

Sedalia firefighter Jamie Volk will have the chance to fly with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds after they selected him as their Hometown Hero for the Wings Over Whiteman 2010 Air Show.

Mayor Elaine Horn nominated Volk, along with fellow firefighter Donnie Sattler, for the honor, citing their service to the community, including efforts to help establish the new Firefighters Memorial in Liberty Park.

“When I was contacted to make a nomination, I was looking for somebody that gave back to the community with their job and on their own time,” Horn said.

Volk said the selection is a big honor, but he was quick to credit Sattler and firefighter Scott Satterwhite for their commitment to the memorial over the last 18 months.

In June, Sedalia firefighters organized a memorial ride to raise funds for the construction of the memorial honoring fallen firefighters, drawing hundreds of residents to participate.

With donations from riders, community groups and local businesses, the ride raised enough money to begin building the memorial, which is expected to be completed this month.

“It’s sad that they only pick one person because it was more than just me that was instrumental in this memorial,” Volk said. “I guess I have to represent them, the fire department and Sedalia.”

Along with his work to aid the construction of the memorial, Volk received the Sedalia Fire Department Valor award in 2008 for his efforts to assist emergency responders at a structure fire that claimed the lives of two children.

He also has received his emergency medical technician license, allowing him to assist with medical calls, and was one of the first firefighters to become a certified car seat technician to participate in the police department’s car seat clinics.

For the last five years, Volk has donated his time in the mentor program at Washington Elementary School, spending one hour a week with a student in the program. Volk also assisted with a calendar fund that was ultimately used to award scholarships to high school students.

Horn said Volk’s record of community service was indicative of his desire to help strengthen Sedalia without seeking credit for his actions.

“His first concern is not for himself; it’s about what he can do to help make Sedalia a better community,” Horn said.

Sedalia Fire Chief Mike Ditzfeld called Volk an asset to the department and the community.
“I am very proud of Jamie’s accomplishments and feel that he is very deserving of this recognition,” Ditzfeld said.

Volk will have the opportunity to take part in an orientation ride with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds in the week leading to their performance at Wings Over Whiteman, which is scheduled for Sept. 18 and 19.

“I don’t really know how to prepare for it, but I’m pretty excited to go on the ride,” Volk said.