CFD Battalion Chief Joel Gershon Receives Recognition Award

11/22/2019

Clovis, NM – City Manager Justin Howalt recently awarded Battalion Chief Joel Gershon, of the Clovis Fire Department, with the City Manager’s Recognition Award. The award is presented to City of Clovis employees for going above and beyond in the line of duty.

On October 11, 2019, the Clovis Fire Department responded to a Motor Vehicle Accident on Mabry Drive. Battalion Chief Joel Gershon assumed command and directed emergency crews to deliver emergency care and vehicle stabilization. “This is his job by description,” said Lieutenant Paramedic, Chris Elam. “He could have stopped there with no further interaction, having completed his duties related to the accident.”

But he did not. Instead, Battalion Chief Gershon went above and beyond. One of the families involved was traveling from Fort Bliss, Texas to Albuquerque for the International Balloon Fiesta. Their travel party included a father, mother, and three young children (all in car seats), as well as two dogs. The father was air transported shortly after the accident. He had a severe hand injury that required emergency surgery at University of New Mexico Medical Center in Albuquerque.

After the wreck, one of the family’s pets ran off towards the train tracks. That dog was not located, and Battalion Chief Gershon transported the other family dog back to his house for safety. The mother and three young children were transported to Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis. They had no vehicle and no family or contacts in the local area. Knowing that after any major wreck, their car seats would be out of service, Battalion Chief Gershon took the family to a local store to buy new car seats and some other comfort items. He let them rest and relax in his own home while another family member was en route from Albuquerque to pick them up.

“Battalion Chief Gershon is a shining example of what City of Clovis Emergency Responders are here for,” said Lt. Elam. “This family probably had one of the worst days of their lives. Battalion Chief Gershon went above and beyond his ‘job description’ to offer them safety, security, resources, and comfort, which is what the Clovis Fire Department proudly stands for.” City Manager Justin Howalt was moved by Gershon’s gesture of kindness and compassion, “I am incredibly proud of Battalion Chief Gershon and honored to have him as part of our team at the City of Clovis. His remarkable character and example speaks to the quality of our employees. I’m very pleased to acknowledge his extraordinary efforts with the City Manager’s Recognition Award.”