First Responders Receive Fair Tribute

WALLA WALLA – Waitsburg resident and Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days Director Stan Bly went to some extra effort to make sure emergency responders received some well-deserved recognition at this year's fair. Bly organized a tribute to EMS personnel, filling the rodeo arena with EMS personnel and vehicles from various agencies from Walla Walla and neighboring counties, prior to this year's demolition derby.

A portion of the announced tribute read: "Not everyone can do what they do. It takes a strong person to put their own wants and desires on hold so that they may be accessible to others at all times. What they do for us extends far beyond their actions in a crisis. May holidays, school functions and special occasions are missed, or put on hold in a first responder household and the family operates off of the schedule of the first responder as best they can.Even when the job is done and they clock out for the day, our first responders are always on call because they've proven that they'll be there when we need them."

Following the tribute, a ladder truck lowered the massive flag that had been hanging above the arena to a group of first responders waiting to receive it below. The donated flag was presented to Walla Walla County Sheriff John Turner in appreciation for all the department does.

Bly said he was pleased to be have the opportunity to recognize our areas first responders and is already planning next year's tribute, which will honor military and veterans.