04/28/2026
Congrats Chief!
CONGRATULATIONS to Jeff "Mort" Mortimer, winner of the 2026 Kanokla Community Service Award at the Kanokla Annual Meeting last Friday, April 24th in Caldwell. His nomination and presentation said, "Each year, we have the privilege of recognizing a cooperative member who goes above and beyond—someone who sees a need and steps in without hesitation. This year’s recipient embodies the very spirit our cooperative was built on: neighbors helping neighbors, not because they have to, but because they believe in their community.
This year that someone is Jeff Mortimer. He has dedicated more than three decades to serving Mayfield and the surrounding area. Since moving to Mayfield in 1992, Jeff has worn more hats than most of us would like to—City Council member, wastewater operator, road maintainer, equipment caretaker, and township blade operator, mower, plumber, and of course, volunteer. He’s been part of the Mayfield Fire Department since the beginning, rising from firefighter to Training Officer, Assistant Chief, and now Fire Chief—leading not just locally, but supporting surrounding communities through mutual aid. Beyond that, he’s served on county boards, emergency planning committees, and spent years building and supporting fire equipment that helps protect others. Cool fact about Jeff, he says he always wanted to be both a firefighter and operate a road grader, so he is living out his dream right in Mayfield, Kansas.
Jeff describes himself as dedicated, hardworking, and committed—but those who know him would add loyal, dependable, responsible, and always friendly. Tonight, we are proud to recognize a man who doesn’t just live in his community—he shows up for it every single day. If you ask Jeff why he does all of this, his answer is simple: “If not you, who?” Please join us in congratulating this year’s Community Service Award recipient, Jeff Mortimer.
