Lyle Dorschied, longtime firefighter and current president of the La Farge Volunteer Fire Department, has earned the Liberty Mutual National Firemark Award for Community Service.

Liberty Mutual Insurance will present a $10,000 grant to the La Farge Fire Department. The grant will enable the department to purchase new helmets for its firefighters.

Dorschied was among 130 firefighters to receive a local Firemark Award from a Liberty Mutual Insurance office during 2014. He was eligible for the national award, and was selected by a committee comprised of fire safety organizations, including the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Fire Protection Association and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers.

Among Dorschied’s favorite duties is lending his time and talents to the department’s Fire Prevention program. Each year, he volunteers for the Pre-K through secnd grade program at the fire station during Fire Prevention Week.

“After 41 years, Lyle still has the youthful enthusiasm he brought to the department back in 1973.  His commitment is unmatched. He is still the first one in the fire station for emergency calls. As much as any one person can define a department, Lyle defines the La Farge Volunteer Fire Department,” said Fire Chief Philip Stittleburg. “We are also so appreciative of the donation from this award which will help fund an important priority for the department – purchasing new helmets for our 30 members.”