Chief Jim Stables and members of his command staff recognized four employees Wednesday evening for outstanding service and consistent job performance that went above and beyond the call of duty during 2014. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Chief Jim Stables and members of his command staff recognized four employees Wednesday evening for outstanding service and consistent job performance that went above and beyond the call of duty during 2014.
Chief Stables presented awards to Wyn Sigman for Civilian of the Year, Jason Smith, EMS Provider of the Year, Anthony Gianantonio, Fire Officer of the Year and Craig Olesnevich, Firefighter of the year.
Wyn Sigman began her career in Palm Bay in 1988 and became the records supervisor in 1993.
During 2014 she led the department’s efforts in improving records processing through various new programs and procedures.
She also assisted the public with records requests and assistance and consistently demonstrated care and compassion for those she served.
Jim Stables
“She does so much more than is required of her and does so with passion, empathy and respect,” Chief Stables said.
“She is an amazing person and is deserving of this recognition not only for her day to day commitment and strong work ethic but for her caring and compassionate approach.”
Lieutenant Jason Smith joined the Palm Bay Fire Rescue Department in January 2001 and became a paramedic in 2003.
He was promoted to driver engineer in April 2014 and quickly rose to the rank of lieutenant in September of that same year.
Lieutenant Smith is also a flight medic with First Flight, Brevard County’s only air ambulance serving East Central Florida. During 2014 he served an integral role in ongoing education and mentoring of the department’s rank and file firefighters and paramedics.
His understanding and ability to teach others the importance of continuity of care from the scene to the hospital was and continues to be essential to the success of each first responder.
“Lt. Smith stands out from the rest as both a role model and the ultimate professional who is always striving to improve and help others improve,” Chief Stables said.
District Chief Anthony Gianantonio began his career in Palm Bay in 1995.
He worked his way up through the ranks to become district chief in 2014. He holds a bachelor’s degree fire science administration from Waldorf College, served as director for the Florida Medical Training Institute (FMTI) and was selected chair of the department safety committee.
He also completed the National Fire Officer Certification program. District Chief Gianantonio was instrumental in setting up training and career development classes for the department in addition to fulfilling his duties as district chief.
“District Chief Gianantonio could be chief of this department if he wanted to,” Chief Stables said.
“He is a true leader and we are proud to honor him as our Fire Officer of the Year.”
Firefighter Craig Olesnevich joined the department in 2010 and was promoted to driver engineer in 2014.
As a firefighter he excelled at his assignments always going the extra mile by assisting wherever needed and without question fulfilling the department’s “do the right thing” motto.
Olesnevich has a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Florida State University.
“Craig epitomizes leadership, consistency and commitment to the organization and mission on a day to day basis,” Chief Stables said.
Olesnevich scored at the top of the list on the driver engineer test demonstrating his expert knowledge of truck operations, systems, configurations and maneuverability’s.
He led the department’s physical fitness initiatives and helped develop the new hire abilities test to help the department recruit the best candidates.
“Palm Bay is so fortunate to have professionals of this caliber serving the city,” Chief Stables added.
“I’m so proud of Craig and all of our award recipients and congratulate them on their success both now and in the future.”
He was promoted to driver engineer in April 2014 and quickly rose to the rank of lieutenant in September of that same year.
