Young chiefs honored for their resilience, courage, inspiration
Joyful day at courthouse for 13 area youngsters.
EPHRATA — It was a joyful day for Grant County’s newest, and youngest, police and fire chiefs.
Escorted by motorcycle patrols, 13 area youngsters riding in first-responder vehicles arrived with flashing lights and sirens Thursday morning for the 22nd Chief for a Day ceremony on the front lawn of the Grant County Courthouse.
Grant County sheriff Joey Kriete called it “a remarkable day” to celebrate the resilience, courage, compassion, and inspiration of the youngsters and their families, and the dedicated officers, volunteers, and agencies serving their communities.
“We honor that spirit,” said Kriete, adding, “Together, we can truly make a difference.”
First held locally in 2002, Chief for a Day events are intended to provide a fun outing for youngsters with disabilities or serious medical conditions. Dressed in their sponsoring agency’s uniform, the young chiefs receive commemorative plaques, are officially sworn in, and enjoy equipment demonstrations and food with their families.
During introductions, the adult presenters shared some of their new bosses’ favorite things — colors, activities, superheroes (Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Wonder Woman all got a shout-out), and key administrative decisions planned for the day. The latter ranged from “doing paperwork” to “riding in a fire truck” (a popular choice). One said he wanted to “catch thieves.” Another promised to provide a pay raise, which got a thumbs-up.
The honorary chiefs and their presenters and agencies were:
Trinity Love Medina — Chief Dave Sands, Moses Lake Police Department;
Lain Hill — Chief Art Perillo, Moses Lake Fire Department;
Cameron Winston — Chief Jeffery Gann, Warden Police Department;
Leland Rodriguez —Capt. Daniel Richmond, Washington State Patrol;
Rylie Gordillo — Chief David Durfee, Grant County Fire District No. 3 (Quincy);
Alex Negrete Ramirez — Chief Jeremy Burns, Ephrata Fire Department;
Arely Villa — Chief Erik Koch, Ephrata Police Department;
Carol Ladrigan — Sheriff Joey Kriete, Grant County Sheriff’s Office;
Miguel Gonzalez Santoyo — Fire Marshal Nathan Poplawski, Grant County Fire Marshal;
Brandon Ramos — Chief Ryan Green, Quincy Police Department;
Parker Davies — Battalion Chief Travis Svilar, Grant County Fire District No. 5 (Moses Lake);
Rubi Garcia Renbolar — Chief Matt Hyndman, Grant County Fire District No. 8 (Mattawa);
Maui Hernandez — Chief Erick Brittain, Grant County Fire District No. 7 (Lakeview/Soap Lake).
After introductions, Grant County commissioner Cindy Carter, on behalf of fellow commissioners Kevin Burgess and Rob Jones, read a proclamation formally declaring the day in honor of the new chiefs, who were then sworn in by Grant County Superior Court Judges Melissa Chlarson and Jennifer Richardson.
Sheriff’s deputy Sarah Bradshaw sang a stirring rendition of the National Anthem to open the ceremony, and chaplain Dennis Felton provided the invocation. A highlight also included two Washington State Patrol troopers performing an honor guard precision rifle toss.
