City of Derby News Release
Swaney Named VFW State Firefighter of the Year
January 9, 2008
 Derby volunteer firefighter Pat Swaney has earned regional and statewide recognition for his service. Swaney, chosen by Derby VFW Post 7253 as the 2007 VFW District Firefighter of the Year, has also been named the 2007 VFW Kansas Firefighter of the Year. This statewide honor places Swaney in the running for the National VFW Firefighter of the Year Award. An announcement naming the National VFW Firefighter of the Year will be made in Fall 2008.
Swaney, a member of the Derby Fire & Rescue Department since 1968, is a lifelong Derby resident. He was elected as Fire Chief of the Derby Volunteer Fire Department in 1985 and served in that capacity for nearly 20 years.
“I am very proud of Pat's continued service to the Derby Volunteer Fire Department and now to the Derby Fire and Rescue Department,” said Susan Swaney, wife. “He will be the first to tell you the success of the department is because of the firefighters who serve – not because of any one individual. Pat truly gives meaning to the word volunteer.”
Swaney also works for the City of Derby’s El Paso Water Company. He began working for the company in 1963 and now serves as the Director.
According to Derby Fire Chief Brad Smith, Swaney devotes much of his time to service to the City, whether it’s making sure the City has a clean and stable water supply, or answering an alarm for a fire, car wreck or anything else that is needed. He gives his time and dedication to the Derby Volunteer Fire Department and the Derby Fire and Rescue Department, and will tell you he is very proud to be a part of the history of the department.
“He has a great deal of respect for the past and present members of the department,” said Smith. “He sets a good example to the newcomers as well as maintaining the respect and admiration of the other members of the department.”
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