Madaras is Announced Juneau Responder of the Quarter

Juneau, AK - The Alaska State Firefighters Association - Juneau Chapter (ASFA - Juneau) is pleased to announce volunteer Firefighter/EMT I Sylvia Madaras as the Responder of the Quarter for the third quarter. Madaras was nominated by career Firefighter/EMT III, Tell Spragg, for steadily becoming a solid leader among her fellow volunteers.

“She regularly strives to hone her skills, but also goes a step further and freely shares her knowledge, skills, and abilities with others in a non-prideful way that leaves the recipient feeling encouraged and motivated,” says Spragg, who also serves as Madaras’ mentor in the CCF/R Volunteer program.

Madaras got her start in emergency response by completing her Wilderness First Responder certification in Kandersteg, Switzerland. This month Madaras celebrates four very active years of participation with CCF/R and ASFA. Medical response was her first interest, she says, but training and then volunteering as a firefighter is what inspired her to put down roots in Juneau. 

“I felt my BLS skills would only be worthwhile if I put them to work in my community,” says Madaras.

That hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, says Spragg, who sees Madaras routinely go beyond the basic requirements of the CCF/R Volunteer program and represents the department’s core values, or T.I.P.P.S. T.I.P.P.S. stands for Teamwork, Integrity, Positive attitude, Professionalism, and Service.

“Sylvia is a very ‘consistent’ person, that is, I always know what to expect from her,” says Spragg. “She presents herself as a professional, and takes into account the various angles and perspectives in given situations.”

In receiving this award, Madaras’ is quick to recognize others doing excellent work within the CCF/R department. Most recently, she says she’s seen volunteers and career staff spend multiple hours a day at the airport, helping to screen travelers and keep Juneau safe during the pandemic. There are also those getting creative to keep the volunteer training going while normal weekly drills are limited.

“That kind of dedication matters, and I'm deeply grateful to everyone who chooses to be involved,” says Madaras.

The Responder of the Quarter program, an ASFA initiative, endeavors to call out and honor association members of distinction. These members display sound leadership principles, participate in community and volunteer events, and respond to calls.

ASFA - Juneau currently represents a diverse membership of more than 50 firefighter and emergency medical services (EMS) first responders. The association’s purpose is to serve and support Juneau firefighters through professionalism and leadership by providing additional training opportunities, advocating needs, and fostering camaraderie throughout the fire service and the Juneau community.