B1 Today is celebrated as First Responder Day, October 28. It’s a chance to show appreciation for those in our community that go to work every day committed to keeping us safe, that are there to provide assistance and rescue when we are not, and make our health and security their priority. We appreciate them every day, and celebrate them today. Thank you to everyone who submitted photo tributes of our neighbors, family and friends who are Clatsop County first responders. We salute all of you who are professional and volunteer Law Enforcement, Fire and Rescue Services, Emergency Medical Services, and Dispatchers. We salute you, First Responders! FIREFIGHTERS JOSH AND AMY LAIR Father daughter duo at Gearhart Volunteer Fire Department Josh works full time at a large local hotel and spends his free time serving in our community. Amy was inspired by her father’s dedication WARRENTON our community and joined the department POLICE to DEPARTMENT last year. She is now a full time employee at Officer Wirt is not only a very hard worker, he is GVFD and continues to work on the required compassionate, caring, prompt, and has a great sense certifications and perusing a Fire Science of humor. When he’s not working he spends his time Degree. with his beautiful wife, his handsome sons, and his amazing (now unfortunately retired) K9 Gabe. He’s also pretty awesome at karaoke. Officer Wirt KURT DONALDSON & THE KSBB VOLUNTEER FIREMEN The Chief of the KSBB Fire Department and the trained volunteer firefighters responding to a boat explosion and fire at the John Day Boat launch. September 2021 BRANDON HALL Volunteer firefighter for Lewis and Clark Fire Dept Brandon is the definition of a selfless person. His humility goes beyond unnoticed. Not only is he a hard worker, he makes sure everyone is included in the work he performs. His willingness to reach out to lend a helping hand for others, even in difficult predicaments, is a daily reminder that he is always ready to sacrifice everything he has. Brandon excels in leadership, but never wants to be noticed for such. He has a genuine character that warms the presence of others. This is what he was made to do. JAMES HUTCHINSON Gearhart Volunteer Fire Department since 2014 He started his fire career as a cadet, and he eventually continued on to be GVFD’s intern. After years of hard work, Hutch was made a Lieutenant and is currently the department’s Interim Training Officer. Hutch is an asset on every call he goes on, whether that be fire, EMS, wildland, or rescue. He is a hero to the community and an outstanding example. AFD TRIDENT Astoria’s Elite Fire Boat SEASIDE FIRE & RESCUE Seaside Fire & Rescue training on the OSFM gas prop. WE APPLAUD OUR PARAMEDICS, EMTS, NEMT DRIVERS, DISPATCHERS, AND SUPPORT STAFF FOR THEIR ROLES IN PROVIDING ADVANCED LIFE SAVING CARE TO THE CITIZENS IN CLATSOP AND SOUTH PACIFIC COUNTIES. CALL US TODAY AT AMBULANCE SERVICE, INC. IN AN EMERGENCY 503-861-5554 CALL 9-1-1