Volunteer firefighters & EMS responders honored for service
From left to right, the award winners at the volunteer firefighter appreciation dinner were Brian Evans, Steve Carroll, William Rose, Tom Scott, Christian Davis, Lynn Lindsey, Joann Pearson, Tony Freeman, Denise Evans, Jim Hill.
ROYAL CITY - The firefighters of the year and the EMS responder of the year were among several persons honored at the annual volunteer firefighter appreciation dinner earlier this year.
The Grant County Fire District No. 11 Volunteer Association, assisted by members of a local 4-H club, hosted the dinner that covers Districts 10-11. It was held at the Sportsman Resort, which donated the use of its community clubhouse.
According to publicist Christian Davis, the banquet honored those who make sacrifices for the community in times of crisis and the family members who support them. Fire Chief Brian Evans opened the evening by welcoming all the members and their families.
"He shared how much has changed in the two districts over the past seven years and his hopes and goals for the up-coming year," Davis said. "He explained the new focus the districts have on training and EMS and how, because of assistance from Grant County Hospital District 7, the two districts are able to provide at least one EMT in the districts seven days a week.
The members of each district voted on the 2013 firefighter and EMS responder of the year. Lt. Lynn Lindsey from District 10 and Tony Freeman from District 11 received firefighter of the year. Denise Evans received EMS responder of the year.
District 10 Captain Dan Argo achieved Washington State certifications for Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2, Instructor 1, Haz-Mat Operations, and Fire Officer 1. Captain Argo has been active in the fire service since the early 1980s and had formerly held the position of Fire Chief for District 10. He continues to be a strong asset to the department and the community.
Evans presented Jim Hill with the Chief's Award, noting the special work and countless hours he had donated to the department in the area of IT.
Evans introduced 13 new members to the two fire districts they were: Clemente Abundiz, Ivan Arroyo, Breanne Diaz, Rick Gilbert, Francisco Gomez, Humberto Jimenez, Carlee Nunez, Jennifer Ruiz, Jose Rodriguez, Jose Rojas, Jose Saucedo, Neil Vargas and Luis Valenciano.
Throughout the evening, the members and their families had drawings for prizes local businesses and community members donated to cause. The donors were recognized, and everyone was reminded of the importance of supporting local businesses and what these businesses mean to the community.
Evans closed the evening by giving a heartfelt thank you to the members and their families.
"It is hard to describe the level of dedication that each member gives to the community and how it impacts their family," he said. "They lose time with their mom, dad, husband, wife, children, and friends every time the pager goes off and they respond to help a neighbor in need."
"These are truly community heroes in every sense of the word," he added. "They often sacrifice work, home projects, birthdays, holidays, BBQ's, and family get-togethers for the selfless purpose of helping those they don't even know. These special individuals are your neighbors and friends who help ensure that you and your family have fire, rescue, and emergency medical services when you need them."
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