During the Rhode Island Southern Firefighter's League Annual Legislator's Night on Monday January 20 at Richmond Country Club, The Officers of the League named Captain Katie O. Serra and Captain Travis Z. Serra of the Charlestown Ambulance & Rescue Service the recipients of the Chief Frederick A. Stanley Dedicated Service Award.

Frederick A. Stanley of the Hope Valley-Wyoming Fire District served as the fire chief for over 51 years retiring in 2015. During his tenure, he dedicated so much to the Rhode Island Southern Firefighters League including serving as its long term President. During his last year at the helm of the league, the Board of Directors bestowed on the chief a “dedicated service award” for all his contributions. The award was given at the 2018 Annual Legislator’s Night, an event the chief cherished as he advocated for our volunteer Fire & EMS services throughout the country. Thus, the Board of Directors of the Rhode Island Southern Firefighters League has continued to grant a dedicated service award to a member or organization of our league each year at legislator’s night.
Each year the Board of Directors of the League takes nominations in November based on the following criteria. The criteria of the award is based on the traits of a United States Marine. Chief Stanley served proudly as a US Marine and lives by the phrase “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.” The Chief allowed these traits to guide him throughout his 67 year fire service career. Chief Stanley died in 2019 at the age of 84 in Hope Valley.

The candidate will possess each of the qualities below in their service to the Fire & EMS agencies and community.
• Justice
• Judgement
• Dependability
• Initiative
• Decisiveness
• Tact
• Integrity
• Enthusiasm
• Bearing
• Unselfishness
• Courage
• Knowledge
• Loyalty
• Endurance

Captains Katie & Travis Serra met over ten years ago when volunteering at the Charlestown Ambulance-Rescue. They have been married now for over 4 years. Katie is a Physicians Assistant in the Westerly Hospital Emergency Department and Travis owns & operates a local Architecture firm. Still, both dedicate much of their time to Charlestown Rescue. In particular they both mentor the younger members of their department. As Officers on the Friday Night Duty Crew, both Serra's have made a major impact on the lives of the young providers who serve Charelstown, especially on Friday Nights.

In addition to letters from Chief of Department Andrew Kettle nominating Katie, the Captain of Personnel and Travis the Captain of Operations, letters were sent by Lieutenant Jill Gardell, and Past Chief of the Westerly Ambulance Bethany Gingerella. Further, the younger members of Charlestown Rescue added some of these comments below:

"Katie and Travis have had an impact on everyone who has become a member of Charlestown Ambulance Rescue Service. When I joined as a junior member and started on Friday nights I was welcomed as part of their “family”. They both mentored me to become the provider and leader I am today. They both put so much time and effort into this organization to make sure that all of us are the best providers we can be. We are so lucky to have Katie and Travis as friends, mentors, and leaders!"

"Katie and Travis have both been huge parts of my journey to becoming an EMT. Katie helped me pass my national and they both pushed me to better myself intellectually and emotionally as a caregiver. They have been there for every step of the way to help me whenever I need it and they do it with love!"

"Katie and Travis have helped me form not only into an EMT but a person who is more compassionate, caring and patient. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them."

"Both Katie and Travis have made me more confident as an EMT and a person in general. I know I can always go to either one for anything. They are both great mentors and I hope one day I can mentor as well as they do!"

"Travis and Katie are such an inspiration to me and all who know them. They are welcoming, supportive and always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the success of their team, family and friends. I can not be more grateful for the impact these two have had on my life and in such a short period of time. I’m looking forward to many more years of learning and growing with these two by my side! Thank you Travis and Katie for all that you do!"

"When I say Katie and Travis are my rescue parents, I mean it! They have taught me everything that I know on the truck and I am so grateful to call them my inspirations!"

Thus, The Board of Directors of the Southern League unanimously named Captains Katie & Travis Serra the 2020 Chief Fred Stanley Dedicated Service Award Winners! We know that Fred is looking down and very proud of both of these Officers. Congratulations to both winners! Keep up the good work!