Spokane Fire District 3 presents awards at banquet

Spokane County Fire District 3 recognized a variety of firefighters and others for outstanding service and exceptional leadership at its annual firefighter appreciation banquet on March 16, according to a press release.

Battalion Chief Russ Mace received the Don Mangis Selfless Service Award for 55 years of selfless service. He has been heavily involved in mentoring new members, construction of many new fire stations - including the remodel of Station 33 in Four Lakes, his assigned station.

Six year District 3 veteran Capt. Dan Horton received the 2018 Officer of the Year award for his exemplary leadership skills and creating a strong work environment while promoting interaction at all levels.

Horton was also recognized for his volunteer firefighter recruiting efforts, talking with community members about the benefits and rewards of becoming a firefighter, and successfully recruiting multiple new recruits.

"The most rewarding opportunity has been being there to help community members and neighbors when things aren't going so well in their world," Horton said.

Horton was promoted to captain two years ago, and was most recently selected as duty officer, while also training as an incident commander.

Firefighter Chandler Powers was recognized as Firefighter of the Year. A fulltime student at Eastern Washington University who joined the District 3 ranks less than a year ago, Powers has been extremely active in his recruit class, on emergency service calls, and assisting with the remodel of Station 33.

Fourteen other firefighters and first responders were also recognized and thanked for their years of service at the banquet, and their continued commitment to the challenging responsibility they accept daily, including their efforts in performing CPR that saved two lives. Four others were recognized for delivering a healthy baby girl.

Three civilians also received recognition. Doug Bonstrom, a retired deputy chief of training for Airway Heights Fire Department, Molly Clemenson, a newly certified emergency medical technician and a new member of District 3, and Eric Palomino, an employee of Caterpillar Inc., jumped into action when they responded to a person suffering cardiac arrest. All three were applauded for being observant and acting quickly during a stressful situation. 

"We appreciate any opportunity to recognize our firefighters and officers for outstanding service," District 3 Chief Cody Rohrbach said. "All of our members spend countless hours responding to emergencies and attending trainings to ensure they provide the highest level of service to our community. This is one of the ways we can tell them 'thanks' for all that they do."

The Don Mangis Selfless Service Award honors the legacy of former District 3 Battalion Chief Don Mangis who recently passed away.

"Mangis was a true servant leader at heart, a selfless individual who served in many roles throughout his life," the press release states.

During his years of public service Mangis served as mayor of Spangle, was fire chief for the Spangle Fire Department, and served at District 3 for 37 years, while also working for the City of Cheney for 29 years.

This years Mangis Award is the first.

Lee Hughes can be reached at [email protected].