NEW YORK, NY — Five Spokane first responders received a Hero of Honor medal during the 7th annual National First Responders Day ceremony in New York City on Wednesday.
According to the First Responders Children’s Foundation, Chief Matthew Vinci, Chief Mike Nokes, Chief Tom Williams, and Chief Don Malone, and Sheriff John Nowels of the Spokane County Fire Department were presented with these awards for their response to the Spokane Complex Fires back in August.
They were part of a group of 19 first responders recognized from all across the United States for their outstanding work at the ceremony.
All five received the SERVPRO Natural Disaster Award for successfully evacuating 65,000 people in Spokane County with zero fatalities associated with the fires.
“In times of tragedy, first responders are the light that turns fear into hope,” said host Jon Stewart. “To stand with them is to touch the very core of what holds our communities together, and on National First Responders Day, I’m proud to stand with the First Responders Children’s Foundation to celebrate these 19 individuals on behalf of the millions beside them who selflessly run towards danger in order to keep us safe.”
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