Amarillo Rotary South names Stallwitz as 2021 Amarillo Firefighter of the Year

Continuing with its first responder area awards, the Amarillo South Rotary Club named Marshall Stallwitz as its 2021 Amarillo Firefighter of the Year on Thursday morning.

Stallwitz has been with the Amarillo Fire Department (AFD) for five and a half years. He is an integral member of the AFD Compliance Program and one of a handful of members of the department’s Peer Support Team. During his time with AFD, he served as a chaplain and a Critical Incident Support Management Facilitator.

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AFD Fire Chief Jason Mays spoke about the process involved in choosing Stallwitz over the many deserving candidates who serve in his department.

“It is always tough to make a selection of one firefighter for this, but once his name came up in the nomination process, his overall contributions made him one of the easiest choices to make for the reward,” Mays said. “You may overlook somebody, but you will not go wrong choosing Marshall Stallwitz.”

With the circumstances of being a firefighter already being a stressful occupation, the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated the everyday stress of issues faced by first responders with its effects limiting staffing. Stallwitz was praised for his efforts in helping members of his department cope with the underlying psychological effects they face every day.

“Marshall always puts others first in his concern for his fellow responders,” Mays said.

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Being a member of the Peer Support Team for over two years, Stallwitz was described as tireless in his efforts to be there for his fellow firefighters in their times of need. Serving in that role, Stallwitz was available at a moment’s notice on call any time of day or night. Peer Support members are available to members of the department at a moment’s notice to help members that need someone to talk to when they are experiencing personal or professional issues.

Stallwitz was one of two members of the department’s chaplain group who volunteered to drive a fellow firefighter, who was experiencing issues due to the stress of the job and family, to a treatment facility in Pennsylvania to receive needed help. He did this over the July Fourth holiday, taking time from his family to help a brother in arms in need.

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Over the hectic year that was 2021, Stallwitz was part of a group that would call shift chiefs each day to speak and give spiritual guidance regarding crew safety. He also serves as a liaison to families of retired firefighters who pass away, and he offers advice through the services provided by the department.

Mays said that while Stallwitz is a reserved person and does not seek the spotlight, his actions speak loudly among his peers, with his work above and beyond for the department.

“Marshall stands out amongst his peers with his dedicated and selfless service to his fellow firefighters," Mays said. “He exemplifies each positive attribute you would hope for in a firefighter.”