When Pat Karlin became a Lawrence firefighter nine years ago and later an emergency medical technician, he expected it to be a thankless job.

So when he was chosen EMT of the Year by the Lawrence Veterans of Foreign Wars recently, he considered it a special honor.

Capt. Pat Karlin of Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical Station No. 1, 746 Ky., was named the local Veterans of Foreign Wars' emergency medical technician of the year. Karlin was given the award for his work in community activities and work at Fire & Medical.

“I really appreciate the VFW and other organizations in this community that really make an effort to recognize us for what we do,” Karlin said Thursday from Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical Station No. 1, 746 Ky. “It’s kind of a nice pat on the back.”

Karlin and others who received awards from the VFW Post 852, 138 Ala., were recognized Aug. 18 during a presentation ceremony and reception at the post.

The VFW also named a police officer of the year. He is Stewart “Mike” Peck, a Lawrence Police officer since 1981.

“Our department is very proud that any of our officers would be recognized and honored in that regard,” said Sgt. Mike Pattrick, police spokesman.

Peck declined to be interviewed.

Both Karlin and Peck’s nominations were made by representatives of their departments and passed on for consideration by the VFW. Moreover, the local VFW then sent their names to consideration for district and state honors.

Karlin finished second in district competition and Peck took first. At the state level, Peck then came in second in consideration for the VFW’s state police officer of the year.

The Lawrence VFW is one of 29 posts in an Eastern Kansas district that includes eight counties.

“We make the selections based on the nominations we receive, the work they do on the job and involvement in the community,” Lawrence VFW commander Vern Russell said.

Peck, a patrol officer, was noted for a variety of police work, including drug and methamphetamine lab investigations and property seizures. He also has training in hazardous materials responses and gang interdiction.

During the past two years Karlin became well-known as a trainer in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and use of the heart defibrillator. He has conducted training sessions on behalf of the National Heart Assn. and in 2001 was selected National Instructor of the Year.

Karlin also was involved in the effort to get heart defibrillators in all patrol cars and in city government buildings as well as conducting the training that went with it.

“He’s an individual who performs at a very professional level in the fire service,” said Fire & Medical Deputy Chief Mark Bradford.

The VFW’s awards weren’t limited to police and EMTs. The Lawrence post also gave a Citizenship Teacher Award to Nancy Landis of Oskaloosa Elementary School. She also won the district award. Landis was recognized for teaching about military veterans, past and present, and their sacrifices.