The City of Russell Fire Department hosted its annual awards banquet on Saturday at Fossil Creek Hotel and Suites in Russell. The Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to Lieutenant Rick Webb (pictured at left with Fire Chief Dylan Riedel and Assistant Fire Chief Steve Knopp). The Earl Hemphill Award for Outstanding Leadership was given to Captain Jordan Harrison. Jesse Schreiner was named Rookie of the Year. A new award was presented at the banquet - the Above and Beyond Award. From Chief Riedel: "Firefighters typically are always willing to go above and beyond their job description. Sometimes, this trait comes out in community members who are willing to risk their well-being to go above and beyond the role of being a normal citizen. This award will be presented to those individuals who go out of their way to help not only the fire department but also their fellow neighbors. This year, we have two recipients for this award.