Huffman named VFW Arkansas firefighter of the year

n Ashely Little, VFW state commander, visited the SSFD to present him with the Gold Badge Public Servant Award on Monday.

Janelle Jessen/Siloam Sunday Ashley Little, Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Arkansas, presented Kyle Huffman, a firefighter and paramedic with the Siloam Springs Fire Department, with a Gold Badge Public Servant Award on Monday as Huffman's wife, Sophia Huffman, and daughter, Kendee Huffman, looked on.
Janelle Jessen/Siloam Sunday Ashley Little, Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Arkansas, presented Kyle Huffman, a firefighter and paramedic with the Siloam Springs Fire Department, with a Gold Badge Public Servant Award on Monday as Huffman's wife, Sophia Huffman, and daughter, Kendee Huffman, looked on.

Kyle Huffman, a firefighter and paramedic with the Siloam Springs Fire Department, was named the 2017/2018 State Firefighter of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Arkansas.

Ashley Little, commander of the Arkansas VFW, presented the Gold Badge Public Servant Award to Huffman on Monday evening at Fire Station No. 1. Little said the statewide award is a citation for emergency, law enforcement personnel and firefighters.

Huffman was nominated for the award by Siloam Springs' Levi Douthit VFW Post 1674.

Firefighters who receive the award must show consistent excellence in performance of their duties and consistent dedication to their official responsibilities over a period of years, Little said. They must also demonstrate continuous growth of responsibilities and skill within their profession, he said.

"We had several Gold Badge entries, and we went over them over at the department headquarters, and Kyle was selected to be the recipient of the Gold Badge award here in Arkansas," he said.

The award states that it was given "In recognition and utmost appreciation of (Huffman's) dedication and selfless service to the Siloam Springs Fire Department. During Kyle Huffman's outstanding career, he has displayed an exceptional record of exemplary and courageous service to the community and the nation."

The award states that Huffman's commitment to keeping up with the esteem, values and traditions of the firefighting profession is manifested by the high degree of respect he receives from his peers and the local public.

"Firefighter Kyle Huffman is truly a role model to all firefighters and this honor reflects the proudest ideals of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States," the award states.

Bob Sikes, commander from Siloam Springs Post 1674, said that Huffman grew up in Siloam Springs and graduated from Siloam Springs High School. He moved to Highfill and began his firefighting career as a volunteer for the Highfill Fire Department. Sikes said that Hoffman also raises chickens and cattle.

During the ceremony, Little also presented a certificate of appreciation to Michael Ford, of Rogers VFW Post 3031. Ford served in the U.S. Army in Korea, Germany and Vietnam. He currently serves Post 3031 as chaplain and chairman of the honor guard committee.

General News on 04/29/2018