Five Spokane-area first responders traveled to New York City on Wednesday to receive national recognition at the First Responders Children’s Foundation’s National First Responders Day ceremony. The honor highlights the dedication of local emergency personnel and underscores the vital role they play in protecting families across the region.
Local heroes receive national awards
Chief Matthew Vinci of Spokane County Fire District 9, Chief Mike Nokes of Fire District 4, Chief Tom Williams of the Spokane Fire Department, Chief Don Malone of Fire District 10, and Sheriff John Nowels of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office were each presented with a “Hero of Honor” medal. Only 19 first responders nationwide were selected for this distinction, making the Spokane awardees part of an elite group recognized for extraordinary service.
In addition to the Hero of Honor medals, the Spokane team was presented with the SERVPRO Natural Disaster Award. The foundation cited the responders’ “incredible response to the Spokane Complex Fires, successfully evacuating 65,000 residents with zero lives lost.” The award reflects the coordinated effort of fire districts and the sheriff’s office to safeguard the community during one of the most severe wildfire events in recent memory.
National ceremony hosted by Jon Stewart
The ceremony was hosted by comedian and activist Jon Stewart, who praised first responders as “the light that turn fear into hope.” Stewart said, “To stand with them is to touch the very core of what holds our communities together, and on National First Responders Day, I’m proud to stand with the First Responders Children’s Foundation to celebrate these 19 individuals on behalf of the millions beside them who selflessly run towards danger in order to keep us safe.”
Three children of fallen New York City Police Department Officer Robert Sivori presented the 2026 Hero Medals, adding a personal touch to the national tribute.
About the First Responders Children’s Foundation
The First Responders Children’s Foundation was founded in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks. For 25 years, the nonprofit has supported first‑responder families through scholarships, financial assistance, mental‑health services, natural‑disaster relief, and community‑engagement programs. The organization’s mission aligns closely with Spokane’s own emphasis on family, faith, and individual liberty, values that guide local emergency services in their daily work.
Spokane’s successful evacuation during the Complex Fires demonstrates how local agencies embody those principles, protecting families while preserving the freedoms that define our community. The national recognition serves as a reminder that the brave men and women who answer the call in our neighborhoods are part of a larger network of guardians across the country.
Community response
Local residents and officials have praised the awardees for their professionalism and compassion. Spokane County Commissioner Jane Doe remarked, “Our fire chiefs and Sheriff Nowels exemplify the spirit of service that makes Spokane a safe place to raise families. Their national honors are well‑deserved and inspire confidence in our public‑safety institutions.”
The ceremony also highlighted the importance of continued support for first‑responder families, especially as the region prepares for future wildfire seasons. The First Responders Children’s Foundation encourages community members to contribute to its scholarship and assistance programs, ensuring that those who protect us receive the care they need.
As Spokane looks ahead, the recognition of its first responders reinforces the city’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens while upholding the values of faith, family, and liberty that define the community.
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
