David Bramell, division chief of the Tracy Fire Department, has been named the city’s employee of the month for December.

Bramell, born in Castro Valley, is a third-generation firefighter and has worked for Tracy for 19 years.

Bramell said that he knew long ago that firefighting was the career path he wanted to take.

As division chief, he supervises 24 on-duty firefighters. He also deals with budgets and other administrative aspects of the department as part of his job. The department’s three division chiefs rotate 48-hour on-call shifts and also put in hours at the office to handle administrative work, Bramell said.

Bramell received an associate degree in fire science from San Joaquin Delta College, with honors. He is certified through the state of California as a firefighter, fire officer, chief officer and emergency medical technician.

He is married to Brandee Bramell and has four sons, Darren, Curtis, Jaxson and Spencer.

Bramell serves as troop scoutmaster in his sons’ Boy Scout troop. In his spare time, he enjoys playing softball.

Bramell said that he is “very humbled” by the award and is grateful for the opportunity to work in this city.

Delta Charter debate scores top finishes

Delta Charter High School placed first in the overall debate event sweepstakes and fourth in individual event sweepstakes at the Yosemite Forensic League’s speech and debate tournament Dec. 5 at Tokay High School in Lodi.

Delta Charter was the only school representing Tracy in the competition.

Shellah Bearfoot, in the A division, and Kayla Reeves, in the B division, both won first place in the international extemporaneous competition. Shellah also placed first in B division Lincoln-Douglas debate, and Reeves placed first in the B division duo interpretation competition alongside Caleb Haugh.

Hannah Rodrigues won first place in the B division dramatic interpretation competition, and William Hanson won first place in the B division humorous interpretation competition.

West High grad completes CHP training

Tracy resident Michael Teague, a 2004 alumnus of West High School, completed his California Highway Patrol cadet training earlier this month. Michael studied criminal justice at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton. Cadet training included vehicle patrol, accident investigation, and the apprehension and arrest of suspected violators.

Michael was assigned to duty at the CHP’s office in the Bridgeport area.

• Accolades runs in Our Town whenever we hear about someone who has done something extraordinary and deserves kudos for it. If you have some news for Accolades, send it to jlafferty@tracypress.com, or drop off a note at the Tracy Press. Feel free to include a photograph of the person.