Port Press Release:

Dale Hornung will be honored as the Port of Seattle Firefighter of the Year for 2012. Selected by a department-wide vote, Hornung has served the department for 26 years.

“Firefighter Hornung has all of the best qualities we hope for in a firefighter – a skilled professional, leader and team player who cares about his colleagues and community both inside and outside the fire house,” said Port of Seattle Fire Chief Randy Krause.

Hornung continually dedicates himself to numerous projects and committees including: Diversity Firefighters Association president, Port of Seattle Diversity and Development Council member, Emergency Medical Technician/Defibrillation instructor, and annual Woody Gray memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament Director.

Hornung plays a key role in the department’s charitable efforts. For over 20 years, he has directed the Pancake Breakfast fundraiser with proceeds going to a Camp Eyabsut for burn survivors. Eyabsut, which translates into “to rise above everything” in the dialect of the Native American Skagit tribe, provides a week-long opportunity for seven to 17-year old children to feel a sense of belonging.

A Seattle native, Hornung currently lives in the south Seattle neighborhood of White Center.

Other nominees this year include Adam Griffin, Dayton Hostetler, Colin Rose and Jay Williams.

A private award recognition ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16.