Chief for a Day celebrates courage, community at Grant County Courthouse

EPHRATA — Thirteen young leaders from across Grant County were honored Thursday during the 22nd annual Chief for a Day celebration at the Grant County Courthouse, where they were sworn in, recognized for their resilience and courage and given the chance to step into the roles of local first responders.  

The chiefs arrived in a motorcade before being introduced to a crowd of family members, community supporters and emergency personnel. During the ceremony, each was recognized for their strength and spirit.  

“This is more than just an event,” Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete said. “It’s a celebration of courage, resilience, and unbreakable bonds that unite us together.”  

Kriete added that each child represents “a story of bravery and determination that inspires us all.”  

After introductions, the chiefs took an oath of office, promising to be “brave, honest, and true,” to treat others with respect and “above all else – have a lot of fun.”  

Meet the chiefs 

Each of the 13 chiefs brought their own personality, interests and goals to the day. Moses Lake Police Department Chief for a Day Trinity Love Medina made an early impression with her enthusiasm, quickly checking one item off her list — getting ice cream — before enjoying the motorcade and meeting officers.  

“All she wanted was vanilla ice cream this morning, so my advice for her is to try new things, add some Oreos or pralines every now and again. New things can be fun and exciting,” MLPD Chief Dave Sands said.  

Moses Lake Fire Department Chief for a Day Lain Hill, an 11-year-old sixth grader, was recognized for his kindness and determination. He was especially excited to explore fire trucks and learn how the department operates, even joking about wanting to slide down a fire pole.  

Warden Police Department Chief for a Day Cameron Winston, also 11, hopes to become a police officer someday. He enjoys sports and building things, and despite dealing with asthma, continues to work hard toward his goals.  

Washington State Patrol Chief for a Day Leland Rodriguez, an incoming high school freshman, enjoyed checking out patrol motorcycles. He likes sports and even has a fondness for scary movies.  

Grant County Fire District 3 Chief for a Day Rylie Gordillo, 9, brought energy and excitement, declaring she wanted to drive a fire truck. She spends her time playing softball, swimming and dancing.  

Ephrata Fire Department Chief for a Day Alex Negrete Ramirez, 15, was thrilled to ride in a fire truck. He enjoys soccer and being outdoors. He told his chief he may one day switch careers to law enforcement.  

Ephrata Police Department Chief for a Day Arely Villa, 10, quickly bonded with officers and demonstrated her outgoing personality. She enjoys basketball, building with Legos and spending time with family.  

Grant County Sheriff’s Office Chief for a Day Carol Ladrigan stood out with a unique goal — tackling paperwork first.  

During an interview, she reflected on the experience, saying, “It’s quite surprising, honestly,” and added that her favorite moment was “being recognized for the hard work that me and so many people put into our lives.”  

Though shy about the attention, she admitted stepping into the spotlight felt unfamiliar.  

“I’m more of a background character,” she said, describing the experience as both surprising and a little overwhelming.  

Grant County Fire Marshal Chief for a Day Miguel Gonzalez Santoyo, 13, enjoyed being outdoors and hoped to ride in a fire truck. He spends his free time playing with Legos and staying active.  

Quincy Police Department Chief for a Day Brandon Ramos, 10, made his intentions clear — he wants to “catch thieves.” He enjoys basketball, swimming and playing Minecraft.  

Grant County Fire District 5 Chief for a Day Parker Davies, 6, was described as courageous and full of humor. He looked forward to driving fire trucks, eating spaghetti at the station and even jokingly giving his chief a raise.  

Grant County Fire District 8 Chief for a Day Rubi Garcia Renbolar, a high school student, brought creativity and enthusiasm. She enjoys art, snow and everything princess-related and was excited to spend the day with firefighters.  

Grant County Fire District 7 Chief for a Day Maui Hernandez, 8, represented the district proudly while supported by his family. His chief noted the importance of simply spending time together, highlighting the value of community connection.  

 A community effort 

The program continues to grow, with three new agencies participating this year. Organizers emphasized that the event wouldn’t be possible without support from families, businesses and first responders.  

“It just proves the resilience of these young folks is phenomenal,” GCFD 7 Chief Erick Brittain said. “It’s a lesson for us all, every day’s a gift.”  

For many in attendance, the highlight was watching the children embrace their roles with joy and excitement.  

“Seeing the smiles on their faces, that we’re doing something special for them,” Sands said. “That’s what it’s all about.”  

The celebration concluded with a proclamation officially recognizing June 11 as Chief for a Day in Grant County, followed by hands-on activities, tours and time for the young chiefs to enjoy their day leading the community. 

    Grant County Fire District 8 Chief for a Day Rubi Garcia Renbolar blows a kiss to the crowd as she walks up to accept her new role Thursday.
  

    Warden Police Department Chief Jeff Gann (left) and WPD Chief for a Day Cameron Winston (right) salute one another at the ceremony Thursday.
  

    Grant County Fire Marshall’s Chief for a Day Miguel Gonzalez Santoyo skips to Fire Marshal Nathan Poplawski during Thursday’s ceremony.
  

    Grant County Fire District 5 Chief for a Day Parker Davies rides a Grant County Sheriff’s Office Posse horse Thursday following the ceremony.
  

    Ephrata Police Department Chief for a Day Arely Villa waves to the crowd after getting her plaque Thursday at the Grant County Courthouse.
  

    Quincy Police Department Chief Ryan Green (left) and QPD Chief for a Day Brandon Ramos fist bump at Thursday’s event.
  

    Washington State Patrol’s Chief for a Day Leland Rodriguez shakes WSP Captain Daniel Richmond’s hand Thursday during the annual Chief for a Day celebration.
  

    Ephrata Fire Chief Jeremy Burns (left) grabs the department’s Chief for a Day Alex Negrete Ramirez for him to accept his plaque.
  

    Moses Lake Fire Chief Art Perillo (left) and Chief for a Day Lain Hill hold Hill’s plaque at the annual event at the Grant County Courthouse in Ephrata.
  

    After making a quick run up the courthouse stairs, Grant County Fire District 7 Chief for a Day Maui Hernandez accepts his plaque from GCFD 7 Chief Erick Brittain.
  

    Grant County Fire District 3 Chief for a Day Rylie Gordillo is escorted out of the fire truck to the annual ceremony at the Grant County Courthouse.
  

    After taking the oath of office, Grant County Sheriff’s Office Chief for a Day Carol Ladrigan accepts her honorary plaque from Superior Court Judge Jennifer Richardson.