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“The world we live in today is significantly different than it was a decade ago,” said Brewer. He added that he believes it is more important than ever to recognize first responders. “When things go wrong, they are the ones that have to clean it up.”

Once Brewer was done speaking, he welcomed the first speaker, William Torres, Director of EMS and Emergency Preparedness at Bitterroot Health. Torres recognized Nathan Olson, an advanced EMT who is also with Lost Trail Ski Patrol.

Next to present was Tyson Woods, the acting chief of the Hamilton Fire Department. Woods recognized Kenny Allen, who Woods said went on to become an EMT on his own time. According to Woods, Allen also works on the department’s vehicles to keep everything running.

Third to speak was Hamilton City Police Chief Steve Snavely, who called Detective Jessica Haywood to be recognized. Snavely explained that Haywood goes above and beyond in what she does and is one of only two drug recognition experts (DREs) in the county.

Finally, Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton stepped up to recognize Deputy Sheriff Joseph Karcher. According to Holton, “We do not do enough to recognize what these people do.” He spoke about Karcher’s reliability and initiative, stating that whenever something comes across his desk with Karcher’s name on it, Holton knows it is being handled properly.

The last to speak was Hamilton Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf, who spoke a little on the relationship all the departments have with the city and how positive that relationship is. Farrenkopf said, “I just appreciate all the hard work everybody does.” He shook all the recipients’ hands and thanked them personally.

Read the original story in the Bitterroot Star: Masons recognize First Responders - Bitterroot Star