Responder William Allen puts community first

Captain William Allen of the Medical Lake Fire Department never thought he would win the West Plains Chamber's "First Responder of the Year" award, March 20 at the organization's awards banquet, let alone be nominated for the honor. He was nominated along with Cheney police officer Chris Oakes and Cheney firefighter Lt. Tim Steiner.

"First to be nominated with those guys (Oakes and Steiner) was really an honor," Allen said. "When they said my name at the West Plains' award ceremony, I was not expecting it. I was taken away by the whole experience."

Allen thanked his wife, saying he wouldn't be...