Third Annual First Responder Award Ceremony Held

The Boulder City Fire and Police Departments joined forces yesterday afternoon to recognize the best and brightest of their respective departments at the Third Annual First Responder Award Ceremony. On hand to help recognize these men and women were Mayor Hardy, Councilmembers Cokie Booth, Matt Fox, and Steve Walton, City Manager Taylour Tedder, and several department heads. Also present were several officers and command staff from Henderson Police Department, the National Park Service, and Nevada Highway Patrol.

The event was emceed by Police Department volunteer Ron Russ, a retired radio entertainer who moved to Boulder City with his wife approximately 3 years ago. Fire Department Chief Will Gray and Police Department Chief Timothy Shea handed out the awards to their employees.

In addition to the Police and Fire Department staffs, this was the first year that Boulder City Municipal Court also participated in the event. Several court marshals and a member of the city's successful drug court were awarded for their service. Kelley Fulton was recognized with a Community Service Award. She has worked for the Municipal Court for over fifteen years.

Some of the highlights included the award for Firefighter of the Year. The recipient of this award was Firefighter Carl Ford. Firefighter Ford grew up here in Boulder City and has been a member of the department for several years. Additionally, a Medal of Merit was awarded to retired Fire Department Captain Jim Vivone, who was also recognized for his 32-year career with the department.

For the Police Department, several certificates and awards were handed out to members. One of the memorable awards – the Lifesaving Award – was presented to Officers Brian Eby and Brandon Blake. Officers Eby and Blake were flagged down by motorist Steve Findley. Mr. Findley's wife, Melissa, was suffering from extreme anaphylatic shock from a severe food allergy. Rather than wait for an ambulance to arrive, Officers Eby and Blake escorted the Findley's to Boulder City Hospital, where Mrs. Findley was intubated and spent three days recovering from the incident. The Findley's were on hand at the luncheon to see these officers recognized for their quick thinking and response.

The event concluded with remarks from both Chief Timothy Shea and Chief Will Gray. They thanked all present for their dedication and hard work serving the community of Boulder City.