Waukesha Kiwanis
Early Risers Meetings

When
Wednesdays at 7:30am

Where
Tallinger's Restaurant
S31 W24661 Sunset Dr. Waukesha, WI

Come and Visit Us!

From left: firefighter Bob Waldron, Fire Chief Allen La Conte, firefighter Mike Gartzke, Fire Lt. Steve Clementi and Kiwanis representative Brett Skarr. Standing in front is civilian recipient Diana Gutierrez.

WAUKESHA – The Waukesha Kiwanis Early Risers presented four people with the Fred Baumgart Community Service Award on Jan. 25. The award, given annually, honors the memory of former Waukesha Fire Chief and charter Kiwanis Early Risers club member Fred Baumgart, and honors firefighters and members of the community who have gone above and beyond the call of duty or did acts of kindness to others in need. 
    Receiving this year’s awards were three members of the Waukesha Fire Department: Mike Gartzke, Lt. Steve Clementi and Bob Waldron, and one civilian, Diana Gutierrez. 
    Gartzke and Clementi were nominated for their water rescue that saved a man from drowning after his vehicle had plunged into the Fox River. Waldron was nominated for his efforts in creating a T-shirt fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, that raised over $1,200 on behalf of the firefighters. 
    At age 10, Diana Gutierrez became the youngest individual to ever receive the Fred Baumgart award for her efforts to put out a fire – later determined to be arson – at an apartment complex while she was babysitting. She filled a one-gallon bucket with water three separate times and extinguished the fire that had began melting the vinyl siding. Her bravery and quick actions prevented the fire from spreading. 
    Kiwanis representative Brett Skarr said the organization was “grateful” for inspiration the award recipients provided to the community.