Sandra Forester, Idaho Statesman
G.T. Hausner demonstrates push-ups with an exercise ball. Fire Chief Ron Anderson said Hausner has gone out of his way to help employees and their spouses exercise consistently. His commitment to the department and community helped net him the Idaho State Firefighter of the Year Award.
Sandra Forester
The Idaho Statesman | Edition Date: 12-18-2004
NAMPA — Firefighters statewide bestowed the highest recognition possible on a Nampa firefighter.
G.T. (Gregory Thomas) Hausner was recently named Idaho State Firefighter of the Year and received the Spencer Roy Herridge Memorial Award.
Fire departments throughout the state nominated firefighters for dedication to the job; exceptional actions above and beyond the normal call of duty; contributions to the fire service and community; and personal self-improvement that benefits those who work around them.
Hausner was chosen for his perseverance and commitment to the citizens of Nampa and his fellow firefighters, Nampa fire officials said.
"He's one of those people who's very community oriented," said Chief Ron Anderson.
Hausner has worked on a number of community projects, including building a shade structure at a domestic violence shelter, Anderson said.
He also spearheaded the department's peer fitness program and helped update physical testing for recruits, tailoring it more closely to what firefighters do on the job, Anderson said.
"His dedication to fitness directly benefits the organization and community," said Deputy Fire Chief Doug Strosnider. "The direct value in reducing injuries saves taxpayers' money and is beneficial to the safety and well-being of Nampa firefighters."
Hausner said about 100 firefighters die each year nationwide, and about 50 percent of the deaths are caused by heart disease.
Coincidentally, the Herridge Memorial Award, presented annually since about 1967, is named after a Pocatello battalion chief who died of a heart attack, Anderson said.
The fitness program is an effort to reduce that possibility for Nampa firefighters and staff members, Hausner said.
"We had a lot of people who didn't exercise on a regular basis that do now," he said. "It'll be interesting to see how they've improved."
Hausner has worked for the department about six years and is a driver-operator at Fire Station No. 1, in downtown Nampa.
He is quick to acknowledge the efforts of others in starting the fitness program and updating physical tests, and says the honor is great for the department.
"A lot of guys are as worthy," Hausner said.
"Hausner is a dedicated individual who represents what being a firefighter is all about, he cares deeply about his family, community, fellow firefighters and can always be counted on," Strosnider said.
