Rock Community Fire Captain named state's Firefighter of the Year

KSDK -- Rock Community Fire Captain Jeff "Boomer" Broombaugh has been named Missouri's 2009 Firefighter of the Year.

The award is given to a firefighter who portrays exceptional dedication and initiative in all areas of firefighting, rescue and fire prevention.

Broombaugh started volunteering for the Rock Community Fire Community Fire Protection District in 1983. He became a full time employee in July of 1987. In 1990, Captain Broombaugh received his associates' degree in fire science and in 1994 attained his bachelor's degree. Because of his dedication and knowledge of fire ground operations, Captain Broombaugh was promoted to Deputy Chief of Training.

In 1999, Captain Broombaugh requested to go back to the rank of captain. When asked why, Captain Broombaugh stated he missed the 24 hour shift and camaraderie of the men and day to day interaction with the public. As Deputy Chief, Jeff was only able to work a Monday-Friday shift at Headquarters, taking him off the truck.

Recently, Jeff acquired his Masters degree in Executive Fire Leadership from the Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona.