HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Clayton Birkle, a firefighter with the Hutchinson Fire Department, has been named the Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram First Responder of the Month for July.
Birkle, who has served with HFD for nearly four years, was nominated by his wife, who described him as humble, selfless and deeply committed to both his team and the community.
“He makes the long commute from Wichita, rain or shine, or ice or snow, to help his crew members and the community of Hutch,” she wrote in her nomination. “He is incredibly humble and has a servant’s heart.”
The nomination praised Birkle’s commitment to serving for the right reasons, often behind the scenes and without recognition. “Rarely does he let me brag on him via social media or in person, so celebrating him can be a challenge,” she added. “What he does, he does for the Lord to witness alone.”
Birkle’s dedication, his wife said, is what makes him so deserving of the recognition. “His drive, ambition and sincerity of heart keeps the town a little safer when he’s there.”
