Rodney Cromwell of Perry was honored as the 2022 Veterans of Foreign Wars National Firefighter of the Year in ceremonies held Friday in Des Moines.
Lieutenant Cromwell, a 15-year veteran of the Perry Volunteer Fire Department, was joined at the ceremonies by his son, Chris Cromwell of Perry, daughter, Kelly Cromwell of Ankeny, and PVFD Fire Chief Chris Hinds.
Cromwell was first named the Iowa VFW Firefighter of the Year for 2022, and his credentials were then forwarded in nomination to the VFW national office. He was selected as the national recipient of the VFW Firefighter of the Year Award for 2022 from among nominees submitted from all 50 U.S. states and territories.
The award reads:
In recognition and utmost appreciation of his dedicated and selfless service to the City of Perry, Iowa, and the Perry Volunteer Fire Department, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America recognizes and awards Rodney Cromwell this National Firefighter of the Year Award for 2022.
According to the VFW, in order to qualify for nomination for the state and national awards, firefighters must demonstrate:
- Recognition by their colleagues or those they serve.
- Consistent excellence in the performance of their duties.
- Consistent dedication to their official responsibilities over a period of years and continuous growth in responsibilities and skills within their profession.
“Firefighter Rodney Cromwell is truly a role model to all firefighters and a priceless asset to the Perry force,” Hinds said. “The honor that has been bestowed upon him reflects the proudest ideals of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the men and women of the Perry Volunteer Fire Department.”
