Grant Co. celebrates courage and community at Chief for a Day

Preston Thomas, 5, was honored as the chief of Grant County Fire District 5. His first goal as the new chief is to drive a fire truck with lights and sirens.

Nayelli Lopez, 15, was honored as the Ephrata Fire Department Chief for a Day. Her first goal for her new role was to wear a fire helmet.

Adam Torres, 6, was honored by the Quincy Police Department as the Chief for a Day. His first goal as the new chief was to “make Mr. Trujillo catch bad guys.”

Aiden Kane, 11, was chosen as the Grant County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff of the Day. His first goal as chief was to eat snacks, which GCSO Sheriff Joey Kriete commended and said he related to.

Bryan Reyes-Cervantes, 11, was honored as Grant County Fire District 3 Chief for a Day. He said his first goal as chief was to take the crew to lunch.

Brandon Martin Arredondo, 9, was honored as Warden Police Department’s Chief for a Day. His favorite color is blue, and he loves cars, puzzles, Legos and Disney movies.

Hunter Kennedy, 9, was honored as the Moses Lake Police Department Chief for a Day. He said his first goal as chief was to see the dogs and get a K-9 stuffie, which he said he is trying to collect all of.

Adrian Aguinaga, 12, was honored as the Moses Lake Fire Department Chief for a Day. He said his first action as chief is to see the vehicles and meet the heroes that drive them.

Adam Torres, 6, was honored by the Quincy Police Department as the Chief for a Day.

Bryan Cedillo, 7, was honored as the Royal City Police Department Chief for a Day. He said his first thing he will do as chief is “arrest all of the bad guys so that everyone could feel safe with all the bad guys in jail.” He also said he would proudly put on his hat every morning.

Grant Williams, 10, was honored as the Ephrata Police Department Chief for a Day. He said the first thing he will do as chief is celebrate.

Fire chiefs, police chiefs, Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete and Washington State Patrol salute the flag during the opening ceremony of Chief for a Day June 12.

Warden Police Chief Rick Martin smiles alongside his new chief Brandon Martin Arredondo, 9 years old.

The new “chiefs” for several agencies take their oath of office during the Chief for a Day event June 12.

New “chiefs” hold their honorary plaques and talk with one another during Chief for a Day June 12.

Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete walks his new sheriff, Aiden King, back to his seat during the Chief for a Day event.

Bryan Cedillo, 7, rides a Grant County Sheriff’s Office Posse horse during the Chief for a Day event June 12.

Quincy Police Chief Adam Torres walks up to receive his certificate during Chief for a Day June 12.

Preston Thomas, 5, stands with his mom during the Chief for a Day event June 12.

Elijah Basilio was honored as the chief for the day for Washington State Patrol. He smiles for a photo after being recognized.

Nayelli Lopez, 15, was honored as the Ephrata Fire Department Chief for a Day. She walks with her bag of goods to show off to her mom.