Hood River firefighters responded to a medical call at the home of a newly widowed woman in 2007 — and ended up building her a wheelchair ramp.

The emergency responders not only volunteered time and labor toward the project, they also scored donated materials.

For that act of service, and many others, the public safety officials were thanked on Sunday evening by Mayor Linda Streich.

“You are heroes and we are so appreciative of all that you do,” she said. “I don’t throw the word hero around much and I really mean it from the heart because that’s what you are.”

Streich and Bob Francis, city manager, attended the fire department’s first awards ceremony to recognize dedication and achievement. The event was held at the Hood River Valley Adult Center and is expected to become an annual tradition.

Fire Chief Jeff Walker and Asst. Chief Devon Wells had decided that, instead of continuing to mix the awards with frivolity at the Christmas party each year, they should be handed out in a more formal setting.

Wells said all 30 career and volunteer firefighter/medics deserved recognition for answering almost 1,600 calls for assistance during 2007. He also thanked the spouses and children in attendance for sacrificing time with a loved one on behalf of community needs.

“It’s been a great year, a progressive year, and you all deserve a round of applause,” said Wells.

He played a video of the major incidents handled during 2007, including the Frankton Road wildfire in August that destroyed one home and threatened more than 150 others. In addition, the department assisted with a structure fire in Odell, the rescue of an injured cliff jumper at Punch Bowl Falls in Dee, several motor vehicle accidents along Interstate 84 and a mill fire at Bear Mountain Forest Products in Cascade Locks.

The fund-raising efforts for “Jerry’s Kids” were also portrayed in the video. Lt. Paul Henke, an engineer/paramedic, has led the charge in generating more than $35,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the past four years. He has gained full department participation in the annual Fill the Boot campaign, Haunted House and in-house fund-raisers. To date, Hood River has given per firefighter the largest contribution to MDA in Oregon.

Lt. Doug Epperson, an engineer/paramedic who was not present on Jan. 20 due to illness, garnered the most awards. He was recognized for being on the job more than 20 years and for Distinguished Service by giving “above and beyond the call” after traveling to the Gulf States following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Epperson also captured an EMS (Emergency Medical Service) Excellence Award for his part in resuscitating a retired firefighter with a major health problem.

Capt. Paramedic Clayton McCrea was named Officer of the Year and was also awarded for more than 20 years of service. His 15-year-old son, Tyler, will soon be joining the ranks of the department as a volunteer.

Trent Hightower, another volunteer, was chosen as Firefighter of the Year. He was joined at center stage by Engineer of the Year Brian Adams, also a paramedic.

Other recipients of Length of Service Awards included:

Chief Walker with 40 years;

Engineer/Paramedic Greg Simpson, more than 20 years,

Engineer/Paramedic Anthony DePinto, five years,

Engineer/Paramedic Jay Geraci, five years.

EMS Excellence Awards were also given to Capt. Paramedic Dave Smith, Engineer/Paramedic Diedrick Snelling, Firefighter Brady Lane and Simpson.

Engineer/Paramedic Shawn Johnson received the Distinguished Service Award, along with Henke.

Educational Excellence Awards were gained by DePinto and Engineer/Paramedic Jason Wilkins.