First responders honored by Greater Grays Harbor Inc. Tuesday

Greater Grays Harbor Inc. wanted to find a way to thank the county’s first responders for the work they have done during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tuesday, the region’s chamber of commerce held a “Heroes of the Harbor” presentation at the Shoppes at Riverside to honor the 20-plus agencies that provide emergency services in the county.

Representatives from about 20 of the county’s fire districts, law enforcement agencies and hospitals attended.

“We were inspired by the work our first responders have done,” not just during a global pandemic, “but every day,” said Lynnette Buffington, Greater Grays Harbor CEO, at the start of the ceremony. “They have really risen to the occasion during the pandemic.”

Fire, law enforcement and emergency medical service vehicles provided the backdrop as Greater Grays Harbor ambassadors and board of directors chairman Tony Enzler presented each attending agency with a certificate of appreciation, reading simply, “Thank you for your dedication to our community,” signed by Greater Grays Harbor Director of Member Services Derek Schlaht.

Agencies honored included: Grays Harbor Community Hospital and Summit Pacific Medical Center; the Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Cosmopolis, Elma, McCleary, Montesano, Ocean Shores and Quinault Indian Nation police departments; the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office; and the Aberdeen, Cosmopolis, Oakville, North Hoquiam, North Beach, Wishkah, McCleary, Hoquiam, Montesano and Quinault Indian Nation fire departments, along with the South Beach Regional Fire Authority.

“We invited every one of these heroes from all over the county to attend this event and be recognized and appreciated,” said Schlaht.

A number of elected officials were in attendance, including Port Commissioner Tom Quigg, Aberdeen Mayor Pete Schave, Cosmopolis Mayor Kyle Pauley, and Hospital District 2 Commissioner Lynn Csernotta.

DAN HAMMOCK | THE DAILY WORLD Representatives from 20 of Grays Harbor County’s police, fire, EMS and hospitals gathered at the Shoppes at Riverside Tuesday, where they were honored for their service by Greater Grays Harbor Inc.

DAN HAMMOCK | GRAYS HARBOR NEWS GROUP From left, Aberdeen Mayor Pete Schave, Aberdeen Police Chief Steve Shumate, Greater Grays Harbor Inc board director Tony Enzler, and Greater Grays Harbor CEO Lynnette Buffington.

DAN HAMMOCK | THE DAILY WORLD First responders from 20 agencies across Grays Harbor County were honored by Greater Grays Harbor Inc. Tuesday at the Shoppes at Riverside for their efforts during the pandemic, and year-round.

DAN HAMMOCK | THE DAILY WORLD Police, fire and EMS personnel were honored along with local hospitals in a short outdoor ceremony Tuesday at the Shoppes at Riverside for their dedication to the safety of Grays Harbor County residents.