Swan Valley Honors Those Who Serve

SWAN VALLEY – The Swan Valley community showed up in force to honor, recognize and thank their Quick Response Unit (QRU) and firefighter volunteers with the Swan Valley Emergency Services (SVES). Those currently on the department were recognized for their years of service with either a certificate for less than five years or wooden plaque for more than five years. The volunteers were humbled and thankful to see all the community support.

Grace Siloti organized the event with the help of Helene Michael and Marcia Tapp. They all felt that the volunteers give so much of their time and talents to the community and they need to be recognized for that. Siloti was grateful to all the support from Michael, Tapp, everyone that helped to make the event a success and the community for attending.

Each of the current members received a personalized certificate for serving for less than five years or a plaque for serving more than five years. They all read: "You Have Been There When it Mattered the Most. For the time you got out of bed at 2 a.m. in the morning or drove to an incident site in the middle of a snow storm...! You have personally made a difference to this community and we would like to thank you for the sacrifices you and your family have made in support of our Swan Valley Community. You have touched so many people's lives over the many years you have been part of the Swan Valley Fire Department and the Quick Response Unit (QRU). Our deep appreciation to you for taking the time to care!"

Those that received a plaque included: Ronnie Matthew, Dan Maloughney, Jonathan Matthew, Tori Matthew, Rollie Matthew, Bill Anderson, Owen Conley, Randy Williams, Tony Quadros, Ellie Greenough and Katie Gleason.

Those that received a certificate included: Gary McCleerey, Ryan Maloughney, Lacey McNutt, Pat Smith, Gwen Feese, Sara Halm, Dylan Dickinson, Jenny Kauffman, Nikki Maloughney, Travis Gleason, Jimmy Boyd, Chris Auchenback, Michael Phillips and Justin Thornsberry.

"This is really awesome," said SVES Chief Randy Williams. "To see this many people turn out to honor the Swan Valley Emergency Services, fire department and the QRU, is really breathtaking."

Katie Gleason has served on the QRU for the past seven years. Her husband Travis joined as a firefighter two years ago. Katie considers those that serve with her on the QRU and fire department her family. She was overwhelmed at the event with how many thank yous she received from the community and the outpouring of support.

"I do it for the community," said Katie. "We all need to support each other."

Tori Matthew, who has served on the QRU and as a firefighter for more than 30 years, was humbled by the community response and attendance.

"I had no idea what we did meant so much to so many people," said Matthew.

Organizer Marcia Tapp shared the story of when one of her family members needed emergency medical assistance. After calling 9-1-1 she called Matthews and said, "Tori, we need you."

Tori responded, "I'm already in your driveway."

"It's about community and giving back," said Tori. "I hope someday if I need help, they will be there for me."

President for the SVES Tony Quadros shared how thankful he is that the young people of the Swan Valley are stepping up and getting involved. To him it is such an important service to the Valley. To see the younger generation's willingness to serve when many on the department are getting older says a lot about their commitment to the community.

Williams said that many of the firefighters are still hanging their heads after the fire that destroyed the Mission Mountains Mercantile.

"These people are telling us, hey, you do an awesome job. It's just great to see," said Williams. "I would personally like to thank everyone who put this on. I know all the firemen and QRU people all appreciate it. It's nice to have people come up to you, shake your hand and thank you for what you do. That's a really big deal."