Webster City Fire Chief Chuck Stansfield names Cole Youngdale as Firefighter of the Year Saturday during WC Fire's Awards Night.

Cole Youngdale, 28, is Webster City Fire’s Firefighter of the Year.

That honor was celebrated Saturday evening at the Ed Prince Building on the Hamilton County Fairgrounds during the department’s annual Awards Night.

“Youngdale is about to hit 10 years with the department and has been a big impact on our department,” WC Fire Chief Chuck Stansfield said in a media release.

“He has been an important part of our fleet management, always helping to repair or maintain our apparatus. He is a very dedicated member and can be counted on when on scene to do what is needed to get the job done.

“He is one of our best firefighters and is always trying to gain knowledge and skill.

“This last year he was awarded two commendations, one for Meritorious effort in a swift water rescue and one for life saving efforts.

“He is what we hope for in our firefighters,” Stansfield added. “Congrats to Cole Youngdale on this award; it is much deserved.”

Other awards given for their work in 2024 included three swift water rescues, Stansfield said.

The firefighters that made the rescues were Capt. Brandon Hayes, Capt. Andy Sowle, Lt. Don Wills, Lt. Todd Madsen, and Firefighters Hunter Hayes, Harrison Hayes, and Cole Youngdale. They each received a Commendation of Merit award for their courage and quick actions in each of the rescues.

“We also had a train versus vehicle accident where members made strong life-saving decisions to keep the patients alive,” Stansfield said.

“For their quick and life-saving work that day they received the Life-saving Commendation. These firefighters were Jeffrey Fox, Andy Sowle, Zach Williams, Paul Tolle, Cole Youngdale, Todd Madsen, Conner Hanson, Harrison Hayes and Kenric Weinschenk.

WC Fire also celebrated several members who had achieved years of service awards.

Firefighter Kendall Doolittle has 30 years, Lt. Don Zehner has 50 years, Lt. Paul Tolle has 25 years, Firefighter Mark Ferguson has 25 years, Phil Jessen has 20 years, and Firefighter Jeffrey Fox has 10 years.