Learn more about some of the first responders serving the community
BRUSH PRAIRIE, WASH. — Clark County Fire District 3 held its annual awards banquet last month and honored 11 emergency personnel for their outstanding service and dedication to their profession, each other, and the community.
Volunteer of the Year: Parker Ickert
Parker joined District 3 in 2022 and successfully completed his internship in 2023. He shows up with a great attitude and an eagerness to work hard. His military experience and service to the country has allowed him to seamlessly fit right into District 3. He runs calls out of Station 34, serving residents in Brush Prairie.
Rookie of the Year: Adam Nute
Adam joined District 3 in 2022 and completed his internship in 2023 and is now a shift volunteer. He has displayed exceptional service to the community and has an unparalleled work ethic. His mechanical skills are matched by only a few and he has been instrumental in solving mechanical issues with engines and squads. In his first year, Adam completed his IFSAC Fire 1, Hazmat OPS/Awareness and Driver Operator. He is fully qualified to drive squads and engines.
Excellence in Action: Tony Mitchum
Tony joined District 3 in 2006 as a volunteer (he’s now a full-time firefighter) and has one of the best attitudes. He motivates others and shows much compassion toward the community. His passion and enthusiasm for the fire service and training is infectious. He delivers the very best in both fire and EMS – and is a great mentor to interns and probationary firefighters.
Firefighter of the Year: Joseph Harnett
Joseph joined District 3 in 2022 and is the happiest firefighter District 3 has ever met. He works extremely hard and always goes the extra mile. Joseph’s EMS and fire skills are top notch. He is an incredible asset to the fire district – and he can cook one heck of a meal!
Meritorious Award for Individual: Branden Nohrenberg
Branden joined District 3 in 2020 and has one of the largest hearts in the fire district. Branden takes every opportunity to go the extra mile to engage with children and community members whether it’s at a grocery store or sidewalk lemonade stand. His presence is noticed by many and he leaves a lasting impact and impression on the children, parents and community members he meets.
Meritorious Award for Group: Andrew Blomdahl, Jerik Traffie, Kirk Meller, Joshua Hall, Tim Axelson, Trey Bowman
On Aug. 25, 2023, crews responded to a patient in cardiac arrest. They arrived to find the patient’s wife performing chest compressions. Crews immediately took over and began care. Eight minutes later, pulses were restored and the patient was transported to the hospital. He ultimately made a full recovery because of the quick actions by his wife and the pre-hospital care provided by District 3 crews. It’s impressive to bring someone back and make a full recovery – and this crew is a testament to the quality-of-care District 3 provides. Most of District 3’s calls are for emergency medical service – 70 percent.
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Clark County Fire District 3 provides fire and life safety services to 46,000 people in east Clark County, including the city of Battle Ground. Fifty-seven full-time and 10 volunteer emergency personnel responded to 5,173 calls in 2023. Fire District 3 operates under a balanced budget and has a long history of passing its financial and accountability audits by the state. More information on Fire District 3 can be found on its website www.fire3.org.