by John Dowd
Last Friday, the Masonic Brothers of Ionic Lodge #38 held their annual First Responder recognition awards at Hamilton City Hall. Dutch Brewer, Masonic Lodge Past Master, spoke to introduce presenters and to talk a little about what this event means to the Masons.
According to Brewer, this is the eighth year the Masons have done these awards in Hamilton, and for them it is “a very significant feeling, for us, to be able to recognize these individuals.” For Brewer, and other Masons, the work these responders do for the community is irreplaceable. With these awards getting some public attention, Brewer hopes, “maybe people will at least remember what a first responder is.”
L to R: Hamilton Mayor Dominic Ferrenkopf, Hamilton Police Chief Steve Snavely, Detective Jessica Haywood, Advanced EMT Nathan Olson, Director of EMS and Emergency Preparedness at Bitterroot Health William Torres, acting Chief of the Hamilton Fire Department Tyson Woods, firefighter Kenny Allen, Hamilton Fire Captain Reagan Farley, Deputy Sheriff Joseph Karcher and Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton. Photo by John Dowd.
“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.